Life without a letterbox, makes connecting complicated
One of the many difficulties facing people experiencing homelessness is not being able to provide a residential address.
Postal deliveries can’t be made to a car, a couch, or a footpath, yet being able to be contacted by mail, or able to list a residential address is essential for many key services, job applications and notices.
Not having a residential address causes difficulties when applying for work or study, arranging medical appointments and treatment, or seeking a Newstart or disability allowance, which is often the only form of income for people experiencing homelessness. It also comes with terrible stigma attached.
With your support, Hutt St Centre is making sure people experiencing homelessness aren’t challenged by this additional barrier, by providing a mail collection service through our Day Centre.
For Deborah*, this simple service has been vital to her health. Deborah, who is supported through our Aged City Living Program, is an older woman with significant ongoing health issues. While experiencing homelessness, Deborah could receive mail regarding her medical appointments and treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, which came as a huge relief.
Deborah was also able to work with mentors in our Private Rental Clinic Program and with the required postal address, could apply for secure accommodation by utilising Hutt St Centre’s address.
Your continued support helps provide services which seem so simple, but having access to these essentials that we take for granted can be life changing for a person like Deborah.
Back to Word from The Street, Autumn 2018
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of people who have kindly allowed us to share their story.