Free Letters Home™

A letter home.  That could be the first small step to reconnecting homeless individuals with their loved ones, to re-establish a relationship long neglected, or simply to say “I’m ok”.

Free Letters Home™ offers the homeless community and other community members the opportunity to reestablish relationships and connect with loved ones via a mailed letter or card. Volunteers set up a table and offer greeting cards, postcards, stationery, stamps, help and encouragement in hopes that our guests will take the opportunity to write and mail a card or letter.  The support of Sustainable Ballard and its members through generous donations of cards, stamps, and volunteer hours has been key to the success of this project. At Free Letters Home™, we know we can’t solve all of someone’s problems with a letter and a stamp, but we can offer dignity and respect to our neighbors and let them know they are validated and cared about by the community.

Volunteers show up with supplies and serve about a dozen people on each visit.  Sometimes letters are already written and waiting to be mailed. Sometimes the sender needs a little more assistance (“I have lousy handwriting, can you write it for me?”). But mostly, volunteers just help people re-establish relationships. Like the woman who was thrilled to be able to write to friends and loved ones. The woman writing to her son, who is in prison. Or the man who hadn’t spoken with his brothers since their father passed away, and wanted to reconnect. That’s what it’s all about.

If you’re thinking “I can do that!”, here’s how you can help:

• Volunteer!  We are looking for volunteers to help on Tuesdays from 11 am – 1 pm at the Ballard Food Bank. Interested? Contact Andrea.
• Donate supplies:  Stamps, stationary, envelopes, stickers and pens are always needed.
• Holiday card donations are also needed.  While some people like writing their own words, others prefer a pre-written message.  Mail donations to Free Letters Home, 7713 11th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117 or contact Andrea directly at the link below.

Project Contact: Andrea