Steiner doesn’t have a permanent address. His letters go to a mail room for people experiencing homelessness at the Keys to Change campus in Arizona. This facility, with support from 15 nonprofit organizations, has helped him and many others for years. They use this address for job applications, medication, food stamps, and even for voting. For two decades, the U.S. Postal Service contributed about $24,000 annually to keep this mail room running.
However, last month, the Postal Service cut its funding, claiming a nearby office could fully serve the community. Unlike a traditional post office, Keys to Change allows people to get their mail without needing a government ID, something many homeless individuals lack.
This year, Keys to Change will spend around $117,000 to assist 7,000 people with their mail. Amy Schwabenlender, the organization’s CEO, emphasizes how vital this service is for people trying to exit homelessness. She calls it “priceless.”
The Postal Service’s departure adds to the uncertainty for Keys to Change and other similar organizations that are already facing challenges. They now need to seek donations to keep the mail room open. On a larger scale, the changing governmental approach under President Trump presents additional hurdles. Trump’s administration has proposed cutting funding for many assistance programs that benefit the homeless. According to a report from the National Coalition for the Homeless, these changes might lead to an increase in homelessness.
Record numbers of people are seeking help, with Keys to Change serving 20,000 individuals last year, up from 18,000 the previous year. Many of these people are facing rising uncertainty, with the loss of COVID-era relief funds amplifying their struggles.
Donald Whitehead, the executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, observes a general feeling of fear among both service providers and those experiencing homelessness. He predicts that the administration’s policies will exacerbate the issue.
The mail room provides something simple yet powerful for its users: a sense of identity. Joe Medina, a former client turned employee, knows many recipients by name. He recalls their stories, offering a friendly greeting to those who stop by, and sometimes even delivering their packages directly. For individuals like Paul Babcock, having access to mail has made a significant difference. He has received Social Security correspondence and personal items from family, which help him feel connected despite his circumstances.
As Medina sorts through letters and packages, he knows his work means more than just logistics; it represents hope. In Maricopa County, the situation is dire. Reports indicate for every 19 new individuals experiencing homelessness, only 10 find housing. Challenges like job loss and lack of reliable transportation can lead to homelessness, as seen in the story of Tammy Mcauley, who lost her home after an abusive relationship.
Despite the struggles, many individuals still see the mail room as a lifeline. It helps them maintain their identity and stay connected to society. Keys to Change must now navigate its future with dwindling support. Yet, the will to serve remains strong among its staff and clients alike.
To read more about this issue, see the original article on ProPublica.
Source link
snap benefits, government shutdown, food stamps, nutrition education, food insecurity
