The Big Issue magazine, launched in response to the growing number of rough sleepers in London, hit the streets in September 1991, initially as a monthly publication sold by ten vendors in London. In June 1993 the title went weekly, and regional editions soon followed.
In 1995 The Big Issue Foundation (a registered charity) was created with the aim of tackling the underlying issues which cause homelessness, and supporting vendors in their journey away from the streets.
OK, so The Big Issue has achieved a lot: it’s given pride to a number of dispossessed; it’s a great example of a business solution to a social problem; in many ways it’s changed the face of homelessness. But I’m not doing this walk by way of celebration. The problem still exists. This coming of age comes at a time when unemployment figures are at 14-year high and huge numbers of people remain at risk of homelessness as a result of repossession. There’s masses to be done to improve the lives of those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
So it would be great if you could support The Big Issue Foundation by making a secure donation here. If this type of sponsorship isn’t your thing, at the least, please buy – regularly – a copy of The Big Issue.
Thank you.
