Homeless at Christmas

I know that many people have their own perspective on the homeless, but I have been surprised this year as to how many people, people I know, actually know so little about people on the Streets and in particular the 'Big Issue' sellers. So, after speaking with a vendor this afternoon to make sure my information is still current, I would like to clear a few points up this Christmas Eve evening.

While we all are doing the traditional Christmas things at home, the preparation for Christmas dinner, for Santa Clause to come and going to Church there are actually people local to us that don't have homes to go to. Not all are drunks and tramps, there are people out there that are where they are through circumstance, and not all of them get benefits. Some slip through the welfare net and some don't qualify because they are of no fixed abode.

The 'Big Issue' was launched in 1991 and a lot of people seem to be under the impression that the vendors/sellers are given the magazines free of charge to sell. This is simply not so. They have to buy them for 75p each and then they can be sold for £1.50 meaning that the vendor gets 75p profit. It was set up to give homeless people a chance to make an income. Most vendors are homeless, but they can be ex-homeless or vulnerably housed. The ex homeless can still sell the 'Big Issue' if they are found to be still in need. A homeless person being housed is only the first stage in getting people off the streets. There are many issues to be addressed after that, as for us all who have homes.

All 'Big Issue' vendors carry an identity badge with a number on it and if you want to complain about a vendor you must telephone the following number and quote that identity number. Though my personal experience is that most of them are polite with plenty of patience, but there are exceptions to the rule as with all walks of life.

If you need to complain this Christmas season please telephone: 029 2025 5670 and quote the ID number.

If you see a 'Big Issue' for sale, try it, it is packed with your local issues wherever you may live ......... and you will be helping someone out this Christmas.