Help Homeless People Find Paid Work

The Big Issue (also in a version for northern England) sells magazines to vendors and then they sell them to people on the street and keep most of the profits (they also have card machines, if you don’t have cash).

Founded by Lord John Bird (a previous scallywag who spent time in prison), he now campaigns against homelessness in the House of Lord ((he was once asked to stand as London Mayor – he refused, so they got Boris Johnson instead!)

Beam (London) works by crowdfunding homeless people who tell you their stories, and then their dreams to become gardeners, beauticians, builders and support workers. Many people have trained up and increased their income, thanks to this wonderful organisation.

Emmaus has nationwide shops where you can donate furniture and white goods, which are restored (and PAT-tested for safety) by homeless people who receive jobs, training, homes and income.

General Info on Helping Homeless People

Also read about how to help homeless people with dogs.

England has around 250,000 homeless people (including rough sleepers, sofa-surfers and people living in bed-and-breakfasts). Here are ideas beyond just throwing money at what is a huge issue in society.

Homeless people can claim benefits, giving the address of a family member/friend, hostel or job centre. This helps to pay for food (and pet food), interview clothes and rent deposits. People without bank accounts can use the government’s Payment Exception Service to collect benefits from a local post office or PayPoint outlet.

If you see someone sleeping rough, send a report to StreetLink, whose outreach teams visit rough sleepers at night, to alert them of support to find benefits and accommodation (if the person is under 18, call 999).

Debunking Myths about Homeless People

Common myths about homeless people are often perpetuated in the media (one MP even said that ‘being homeless was a lifestyle choice’). Being homeless is cold, boring and often dangerous, and many are there due to being widowed, divorced, fallen behind on rent payments, escaping domestic abuse or mental illness.

Unlike in Germany and Italy (where renting is the norm), in England there is little regulation to protect tenants from exploitative landlords (Crisis wants a Local Housing Allowance, so tenants receive help to match higher rents).

Although job centres do a great job helping people to find work, it’s more difficult without an address or bank account. Ask about the Flexible Support Fund, which can help with interview travel costs and work clothes.