Citizens’ publications that empower: social change for the homeless

Overview

This paper surveys street publications that are members of the International Network of Street Papers. Street publications can empower the homeless though numerous endeavours that can lead to social change. Empowerment can be achieved by being employed, such as magazine vendors and/or as workers in socially oriented companies. It can also occur by recovering self-esteem and acquiring knowledge and abilities though training courses, rehabilitation therapy, and other endeavours such as the university of the homeless. Empowerment also comes by giving ‘voice to the voiceless’, allowing the homeless to publish their experiences, ideas, and opinions in street magazines. Collective empowerment occurs by creating local networks in solidarity with the magazines and building an international homeless community that strengthens these endeavours and encourages social-change activities.