Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. If you ever find yourself homeless because of some sudden changes in your life or career, one of the biggest obstacles you may face when trying to get back on your feet is the requirement for a home address during job hunting.
It can feel like a nightmare. Without a physical address, homeless people often face negative stereotypes that label them as untrustworthy and unstable, thereby excluding them from many employment opportunities. It’s not just about finding a job either. The lack of a physical address can make things like accessing vital government benefits, health care, tax forms and even basic financial services like opening a bank account challenging
Despite the immense challenges, finding a job while experiencing homelessness is not an impossible task. So, don’t lose hope! In this blog, we will explore several strategies and options that can help you secure employment even without a permanent address.
Transitional Housing or Shelter Addresses
When you lose your home, one of the first things you may consider is seeking out transitional housing programs or local homeless shelters in your area. What you may not be aware of is that these programs and organizations offer more than just a temporary home.
They also provide valuable employment services, such as job training and allowing people experiencing homelessness to use their addresses for job applications. This can serve as an interim solution before a homeless person secures stable housing, giving them a better chance at finding jobs and rebuilding their lives.
You can find the list of shelters and other relate resources in your area from the website of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). When you come across a shelter that offers this service, make sure to ask for their permission to use the address on your applications and explain your situation.
When utilizing transitional housing or shelter addresses, it’s important to maintain open communication with your potential employer. Be transparent about your situation and explain that you are in transitional housing or a shelter. Employers who are understanding and compassionate will appreciate your honesty.
General Delivery Address or P.O. Box
In some cases, individuals experiencing homelessness may be able to use the general delivery address or P.O. box provided by the local post office. General delivery allows you to receive mail at the post office instead of a specific residential address.
The service is available at most post offices in the country. However, it’s advisable to contact your local post office to confirm that they offer general delivery and to inquire about their specific policies, procedures and pickup hours.
While general delivery is suitable for receiving personal mail and packages, it may not be suitable for all types of mail. It’s essential to communicate with your potential employers and make it clear that you are using a general delivery address.
Local Libraries or Community Centers
Some libraries and community centers may allow homeless individuals or those without a permanent address to use their address for receiving mail.
Reach out to local libraries or community centers in your area and inquire if they offer mail services for homelessness people. Explain your situation, especially the need for a reliable correspondence address for job applications, and emphasize your commitment to finding employment.
If a library or community center agrees to provide mail services, make sure you understand their policies and procedures. They may have specific requirements on how frequently you can receive mail, how long they will hold it for you, and any identification requirements for picking up mail.
Friend or Family Member's Address
If you have a trusted friend or family member who is willing to lend their address and help manage your mail, it can be an excellent solution. This arrangement allows homeless people to maintain a stable address and access job opportunities, government benefits, and other essential services.
Before using their address, it’s important to have an open conversation with them. Tell them about your situation, your needs, and how long you plan to use their address. This will help maintain a strong level of trust with the person whose address is being used.
Discuss the arrangement with them and work together to establish a schedule and decide the method for collecting mail. It’s also important to express gratitude frequently and periodically check in to see if the arrangement is still convenient for them.
Homeless Service Organizations
Homeless service organizations across the country play a vital role in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. In fact, you’d be surprised by the range of services and resources available. Below are a few examples:
Homeless Outreach Programs
These programs operated by NGOs or government agencies, such as the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) or Street Outreach Programs, offer various support to people experiencing homelessness. One of the services is providing mailing address assistance to help homeless individuals find a job.
Day Centers and Resource Centers
At day centers or resource centers, you have access to a variety of services that address basic needs. These services include showers, laundry facilities, clothing and meals. Some of these centers also provide mailing address services, allowing homeless people to receive mail and use the center’s address for essential purposes.
Community Service Organizations
Community service organizations, such as local charities and NGOs, may offer mailing address services to homeless people as part of their services. One example is The Salvation Army, which operates various programs and shelters for people experiencing homelessness. They offer comprehensive employment service programs that help prepare homeless people for the competing job market with necessary job skills and a physical mailing address.
Virtual Mailbox
Homeless people can also consider paying for virtual mailbox services. This type of services provide a physical address where mail can be received. You mail then will be scanned and can be accessed anywhere online.
While virtual mailbox services can be a convenient solution, the cost may not be affordable for some homeless people. The service fee varies depending on the service provider and the specific package or plan chosen.
Online Applications
While having a physical address can still be important for certain aspects of the job search process, such as receiving mail or fulfilling specific employer requirements, many positions now accept online applications that do not necessarily require a physical address.
You can use public libraries, community centers, or other locations with internet access to browse job listings online and submit your applications.
Alternatively, you can explore government assistance programs that offer low-cost or even free internet and mobile phone service. One of such programs is Lifeline Assistance Program (Lifeline), a Federal Communications Commission program designed to offer affordable cell phone and internet service to low-income and homeless individuals.
Introducing Lifeline
Lifeline is a federally-funded program that provides discounted mobile and internet services to eligible individuals and families across the country. Eligible customers can receive a discount on Lifeline plans of $9.25 per month.
Whether your income falls at or below 135% of the federal poverty guideline or you participate in other qualifying government programs such as Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) Section 8 or Veterans Pension and Survivor Benefit, you can meet the eligibility requirements for Lifeline benefits.
FREE Phone from EASY Wireless
On top of that, if you apply for Lifeline through a participating provider like EASY Wireless, you will be entitled to the EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan, which includes FREE unlimited data, talk, text and even a FREE smartphone if you meet specific conditions.
Drop by one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores and speak to our friendly customer agent, or simply get started by clicking the link below to start your seamless job searching journey:
See if you are eligible for FREE cell phone service, Click here!
Refer-a-Friend for Extra Benefits
If you have homeless friends who are looking for free phones and service plans, don’t hesitate to refer EASY Wireless’ services to them. The refer-a-friend program gives you a $25 account credit for every person you bring into the EASY family, credits that can go towards additional data or phone upgrades.
