Phila. Non-Profit Operates As Mail Depot For Thousands Of Homeless Men And Women
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Center City non-profit is acting as a home base for thousands of men and women who don't have a permanent home.
For two hours a day, five days a week, Broad Street Ministries operates a mail depot for thousands of homeless men and women.
"With getting a mailing address people can then get an ID. They can get benefits, they can get employment. They have an address they can put on a resume. It's a great first step."
Brittany Mellinger is Manager of Guest Services, which includes personal care items, clothing and other services. She says they are one of the few places in the city that offer mail services for the homeless, which means they process hundreds of pieces of mail every day.
"Today we had 953 pieces, but that's a big day. Some days we have a few as a hundred."
Thirty-eight-year-old Harvey has been homeless for the past six months and checks his mail every two weeks.
"I get mail from the welfare department, doctor's mail."
Broad Street Ministries provides free mail services for anywhere from 2,000 to 3,500 people every year.
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