Send a Letter!
This page is regularly updated with guidelines for the specific recipients to whom we are currently writing. Please follow them closely and mail all letters to this address:
Words for the World
PO Box 257
San Ramon, CA 94583
- When mailing letters to us, please include a note (e.g., on a sticky note) with who your letters for to avoid any ambiguity!
- If you would like to receive confirmation once your letter has been received by us, please include a sticky note inside your envelope with your name, email, and the date the letter was sent.
Currently writing to:
Instructions
For all letters:
- Do not include personal identifying information. Pseudonyms are welcome.
- Please refrain from asking questions. This would encourage a reply letter which we are currently unable to support.
- Do not use glitter or loose bits. Pen is encouraged over pencil.
- Be respectful.
Code Tenderloin
These letters will be distributed by Code Tenderloin to unhoused people residing in San Francisco.
Before writing letters, the first thing you want to do is understand your audience.
As a start, take a look at these photos to get a general idea of the area and people.
Additionally, here are some more specific guidelines:
- We are writing short, uplifting letters! These should be 2-3 sentences, and, as the name suggests, uplifting!
- Understand that, often, unhoused people struggle with substance abuse, mental health issues, and general day-to-day survival.
- So that your letters get through to as many people as possible, keep them short, simple, and sweet.
- Frequently, their lives are very different from yours. Keep your letters realistic. As an extreme example, “Keep working hard and you'll get yourself a mansion one day,” comes off as tone deaf.
- Many times, these people are cast off from the SF community. Do the opposite and let them know they have a place in the city. For example, “Thank you for being part of the San Francisco community.”
- Direct your letter receivers to where they can get help. Let them know they can get help from “Code Tenderloin.”
- For your safety, do not include ANY personal information including name, age, location, school, etc. Pseudonyms are always welcome.
- Decorate! Stickers, drawings, artistic lettering are all appreciated. When possible, use pen over pencil.
Examples:
