Covid19 – Big Issue North

£22,347 raised

Helping the homeless during lockdown

On Monday 23 March, shortly before Boris Johnson announced a nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of Covid-19, staff at Big Issue North made the difficult decision to cease sale of the magazine on the street for the safety of vendors and customers. This may last for weeks or even months, which means a disaster to people who rely on selling Big Issue North to earn an income.

How DONATE™ was used

To help support the vulnerable group – many of whom are homeless – Big Issue North set up an official hardship fund, which “allows us to swiftly help homeless vendors into accommodation, as well as paying for vendors” rent, bills and shopping in the event that they are unable to access a foodbank, or that rent and bills that are not frozen by the government”. Big Issue North worked with local publications, supporters and their wider networks to encourage donations across both text and web. Of the 822 donations, 54% were made by web (46% by text) with an average donation value of £39.31