Street papers: continuing to provide hope for thousands of people in need

In collaboration with our member street papers around the world, INSP recently created and launched an animation that explains the unique street paper model, its international reach and life-changing impact. The animation is narrated by Russell who sells Faktum, a street paper in Sweden.

“You’ve seen us out there. In the rain and the cold. In the sun and the heat. In the avenues and streets. In the city. We sell stories,” narrates Russell in the first line of the animation.

“And yes, it is a business. A very personal one. Because, it’s a way for us to elevate ourselves.

"We use the power of these stories to create a better situation for us and the people around us,“ referencing how vendors often buy the magazine and sell it at a profit to generate an income in a dignified and empowering way.

The animation was produced by Swedish film studio Oh No Gravity with support from Faktum street paper in Sweden.

Street papers are magazines or newspapers sold by people experiencing poverty, homelessness or other forms of marginalisation. They give people an immediate, dignified and legitimate way to earn money while addressing the causes of poverty through quality journalism and advocacy.

Today, as global poverty is affected by numerous other crises – inflation, climate change, systemic racism and conflict - street papers are needed more than ever.

Street papers operate as independent organisations: non-profits or social enterprises that reinvest their profits into services to support people in need.

These services can include housing placements, employability training, emergency supplies of food and clothing, language classes, and other social support – programmes that are all the more important today as we see governments around the world weaken or retract their welfare support systems.

There are currently 92 street papers around the world publishing in 35 countries supporting people in need, and advocating for the change needed to end poverty and homelessness for good.

In 2021, 13.2 million street papers were sold around the world, putting £17.9 million into the pockets of vendors who sell the papers.

The International Network of Street Papers supports and connects these organisations through a global news agency, a community of practice, joint advocacy, global campaigns, and events. It also reports on, and provides a platform for, people with experience of poverty and homelessness to share their stories.

We can connect you to your local street paper, street paper stories from around the world and campaigns.

Watch the animation, sign up for the international street paper newsletter, and find your local street paper.