Help Homeless People Find Work and Income
The Big Issue (also in a version for northern England) stands as a powerful voice for those without a home. Since its launch in 1991, it’s given thousands of people a real way to work and rebuild their lives.
From humble beginnings to international impact, the magazine has created independent income and jobs for thousands of homeless people, and educated others too.
Read our post on helping rough sleepers that live with dogs.
Founder Lord John Bird grew up in poverty, and spent time in prison, before becoming one of England’s champions of preventing homelessness (he was once asked to stand as London Mayor – he refused, so they got Boris Johnson instead!)
The model of The Big Issue is ‘a hand up, not a hand out’. Vendors buy magazines for £2 and sell them on for £4, keeping the difference. This approach treats homeless people as entrepreneurs, not victims.
The magazine covers stories about poor housing, mental health, and low wages. It challenges policies that leave people struggling. And also starts conversations that reach politicians, businesses, and the public.
Instead of being anonymous, homeless people get to even write stories and talk of how they became homeless, to readers a window into lives shaped by struggle. And this breaks down the stigma of homelessness.
The movement is now international, with many street newspapers worldwide. MP,s charities often listen when Lord Bird speaks. From Australia to South Africa, street papers now help people out of poverty. The International Network of Street Papers, has been the end result.
People who are homeless face many barriers, when finding work:
- No fixed address: Job applications often ask for a current address. Without one, many get filtered out before an interview.
- Limited access to hygiene: Turning up to an interview clean and tidy isn’t always possible when living on the street, or in temporary hostels.
- Transport struggles: Getting to a workplace or interview means juggling bus fares or long walks, which can make holding down a job tough.
- Social stigma: Many employers turn away applicants due to bias.
Jobcentre Plus is the online version of the high street Job Centre. Unlike Indeed etc, you don’t have to always have fancy CVs, and can often find well-paid local jobs. Ask about the Flexible Support Fund, which can help with interview travel costs and work clothes.
Crowdfund Training for Homeless People
Beam (London) works by crowdfunding people who tell you their stories. Learn why they became homeless and what their dreams up, then pool together to help train them up. Recipients so far have become gardeners, beauticians, builders and support workers.
One recipient had a job as a trained security guard, but was living in an overcrowded tiny flat with his son, who had a two-hour journey to school.
Thanks to BEAM supporters, they now live in a spacious flat near shops, and there’s a bus stop nearby, so they both have to travel less, to reach work and school. He says he is immensely grateful (read the comments from supporters, it makes you realise that most people are good).
Donate Furniture and White Goods to Emmaus
Emmaus has nationwide shops where you can donate unwanted furniture and white goods, which are restored (and PAT-tested for safety) by homeless people who receive jobs, training, homes and income in return.
This charity was founded by a Catholic French priest, after he heard of a baby who had died on the cold Paris streets (and a young woman froze to death, clutching her eviction notice).
There has been recent controversy over homeless people being ‘removed’ from the city to house the Olympics. And also allegations of sexual abuse by the charity founder, which is leading to an upcoming change of name.
How to Help Homeless People in England
There are presently around 250,000 homeless people in England (this includes rough sleepers, sofa-surfers and people living in temporary bed-and-breakfast accommodation).
Homeless people can claim benefits (usually Universal Credit), giving the address of a family member or friend, or a local hostel or job centre. Having this income helps pay for food (and pet food), interview clothes, and accommodation deposits.
People without a bank account 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 local 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).
