Page 1

THE
YEAR
AHEAD
according to
street vendors
from around
the world

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Speak Up is a
Matt Shaw
Editor In Chiefvoice for the Maria Valdivieso
Art Director

Editorial Team
Peggi Knowe, Myeka Johnson,
Nate Casey, Alisha Pruettvoiceless.
Speak Up Magazine
501 Hawthorne Ln
The magazine is sold by vulnerably- Charlotte, NC 28204
housed street vendors who become Speakand is supportedUp Magazineby isdonationsa 501(c)3ofnon-profitreaders
like you. Donate at speakupmag.org.
micro-business owners, develop a SUBSCRIBE
Get Speak Up in your mailbox every
passion for inspired entrepreneurship, month. speakupmag.org/subscribe
and get back on their feet financially. Internationalcourtesy of INSP.ngo.content for// Thankthis issueyoucomesto our
translators: Denise Dewey-Muno, Iona
Mortimer, Sophie Zest, Else Gellinek, JC
Jenkins, Translators Without Borders.
IN THIS ISSUE: Speak Up
Vendors, you are not alone!
Magazines and newspapers like Speak Up are sold all over

the world by street vendors who use the income to get out of
homelessness. This special edition features some of those street
vendors sharing their struggles, hopes, and goals for 2017

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KEN, 47, SELLS BIG ISSUE
NORTH IN MANCHESTER CITY
CENTRE, UK (WITH BAILEY
THE DOG)

My wish for 2017 is to stay clean of hard drugs
and not go back to crime. I’ve been clean for
over six years. It can be hard because of the
people around on the street. If it gets too
much I just pack my bags and take my dog
and move on to the next town.
I hate the way they deal with homelessness
in this country. It’s handled so much better
in other counties. They have much better
support in countries like France, Italy and
Switzerland. Here, it’s all different agencies,
private companies, doing bits here and there.
The Government should go and look at how
other countries deal with homelessness and
think about a different way of doing things.
I used to take scrap metal from abandoned
buildings. There can be a lot money in it and
it is tempting to do that again sometimes.
But I’ve been in prison for it, in six different
countries, and I don’t want to end up there
again.
This time last year I was in a motorhome.
Before that I was in a static caravan. Before
that I was in an old French police riot van for
a year and a half (it wasn’t being used!). So I
have no idea where I’ll be this time next year.
My message to my customers for the next
year would be: thank you. Keep buying the
magazine. Selling the magazine is better than
stealing scrap metal for a living, isn’t it?

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annual pilgrimage up to the church on the
HANS SPECKHART, 58, SELLS Pöstlingberg, one of Linz’s famous landmarks.
KUPFERMUCKN IN LINZ, As a child I suffered from polio and 52 years
AUSTRIA ago my mother took me on this pilgrimage
for the first time. Since my mother died, my
For myself, I’m wishing for better health in friends from Kupfermuckn have come with me
2017. I spent a lot of time in the hospital each year.
this year and I was even in real danger of The politicians in Austria seem to be
dying. This year, we’re celebrating the 20th completely clueless and have no perspective.
anniversary of Kupfermuckn. I’ve been there I don’t expect any social progress from this
for almost all of that time, and I hope that the government, as they seem to create more
street paper will always be there. problems than they ultimately solve.
Aside from the small disability allowance My message to my customer would be
I receive, I need the income from selling keep buying and reading Kupfermuckn,
the paper so that I can keep my little flat. I because there you’ll find the true stories
hope to spend more time with my regular about what’s going on. Without this paper,
customers. I’m starting to find it difficult many of us vendors would never be
to stand for a long time at the shopping able to break out of the vicious circle of
centre. On the 13 June we make an homelessness.

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BERNARD RUSSELL, 66, SELLS ONE STEP
AWAY IN PHILADELPHIA

My wishes for 2017 are peace, health and wealth. Next year
I want to be a better person. To be financially independent. I
think the US government should start to tackle homelessness
in the next year by putting a lot more money into affordable
housing. But I fear that our new president will start a war. This
time next year, I’d like to be in my own home.

MIKE LANG, 54, SELLS STREET
ROOTS IN PORTLAND, OREGON

My wish for 2017 is to gain a full time job and housing.
To tackle homelessness in the next year, the government
could put a cap on rent and have lower prices for rent.
To my customers, I’d say, you don’t know what you’re
missing unless you actually read the paper.

AMY DOVER, 36, SELLS SPEAK
UP IN CHARLOTTE, NC

My wish for 2017 is to get the strength back
into my leg, to have a home for myself and
to be able to say it’s my home. My hopes are
for Speak Up to grow and for more people
to read it because it is about real people with
real stories. My message to readers is: be
happy no matter what you are going through
and keep your faith in God. Keep your head
up. Don’t give up on your dreams in life.

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SNEZANA PUSICA, 50, SELLS jobs so that everyone has the opportunity to
LICEULICE IN BELGRADE, earn money for themselves and their families.
SERBIA I am afraid that Liceulice Magazine will
stop printing in the next year. And that would
In 2017 I wish to live better and to make more mean that many vendors will lose their jobs.
money from selling Liceulice. I hope to make This time next year I would love to be in
some progress in selling the magazine and the same apartment with people that I love.
to become one of the best vendors in next I’d like to tell everyone not to forget to
year. And also I wish to meet more new and read street papers because this is a good way
interesting people. to get informed on many interesting topics
I hope that the government increases social that are rarely discussed in the mainstream
benefits for vulnerable people and creates media.

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GORAN PETKOVIC, 41, SELLS
LICEULICE IN CENTRAL
BELGRADE, SERBIA

My wish for 2017 is to persist in the decision
to quit drinking. And I also wish to find a
girlfriend in the next year.
I hope that I will earn more in the next year in
order to buy better food and to buy clothes.
In general I hope to have a decent life. I
would like to be in my house and to have
good therapy. And to spend time with my
pigeons.
This year, our magazine had a serious
financial crisis, so I am afraid that this will
not happen again next year. I hope that the
magazine will continue to print and also I
hope that vendors will earn even more money.
I think the government should provide more
help to the organisations that support the
homeless. And also the government should
provide more shelters for homeless people in
our country.
I would recommend to our readers to
continue buying the magazine because when
they buy the magazine they help the most
vulnerable people. And also they can always
read something new and interesting.

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LINDA KÖLSCHE, 52,
SELLS DRAUSSENSEITER IN
COLOGNE, GERMANY

My wishes for 2017 are good health and many
years with my dog, who is my best friend.
I also wish for more accommodations for
homeless women with a dog.
Personally, I would like to achieve
the following: Learn how to write good
EILEEN V, 55, SELLS STREET articles. Sell many papers – not only to earn
ROOTS IN PORTLAND, OR money, but also to raise awareness for the
Draussenseiter. Boost the popularity of the
In 2017, I wish for peace in people’s hearts. association that I just established to support
This time next year, I’d like to be working homeless women.
full time to get out of SRO (Single Room My message for next year: Pay attention,
Occupancy) Housing. I think the government don’t walk away. Every homeless person has
should stop renovating buildings for the rich a story to tell and suffered misfortune. More
and make them into affordable housing. tolerance!
I’d like to tell street paper readers that to
us, selling Street Roots is a job. Don’t judge
us. Instead, respect us, because we are all
only one paycheck away from homelessness.

Page 10

ELENA ONICA, 34, SELLS
APROPOS IN SALZBURG,
AUSTRIA

In 2017, I wish for a second child and good
health. My son David is currently living with
his grandparents in Romania in very cramped
conditions while I sell the street paper in
Salzburg. I would really like him to have a
better life.
In the next year, I think the government
should make more small and affordable flats
available so that I – and others in a similar
situation – can remain and work in Salzburg
and have insurance.
Apropos is my paper, my job and I wish
MKHULULI MAQGABI, 29, for the sales to continue going so well.
SELLS THE BIG ISSUE SOUTH Every month, the paper is interesting and us
AFRICA IN CAPE TOWN vendors are always given space too. In March
2013, for example, the paper featured a full
My wish for 2017 is to start my own business, interview with me.
as it’s not easy getting a job. I’m thinking of My fear for 2017 is that I will get ill and
learning to sew or sell meat. I hope to be able have problems with my thyroid gland again.
to make enough to buy my own car. I think And that the winter will be very cold (I sleep in
that the government should give homeless my car when I’m selling papers in Salzburg).
people a grant to sustain themselves or This time next year I want to be here in
teach them skills to work. I also hope the Salzburg. Next year, I also want to stay in
government—and sponsors—give more Salzburg during December and into the new
support to The Big Issue, as it helps vendors year and continue to sell papers.
a lot. I would like to thank all of those who
I am afraid that 2017 will see an increase helped me so much over the past year: my
in crime because of the lack of jobs and bosses, the readers who always buy the paper
government being corrupt. I’d like to wish my from me, the German teachers and doctors,
customers a blessed year—respect yourself, and everyone else. I wish them all the best,
as things start with you. good health and a fantastic new year.

Page 11

DEWAYNE, 41, SELLS SPEAK UP
IN CHARLOTTE, NC

My wish for 2017 is to get a home or camper for
Amy and I so we can get our daughter back and
be happy.
My message to readers: “Stay clean and
sober and remember that God loves you.”

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JEFF GREENE,
64, SELLS ONE
STEP AWAY IN
PHILADELPHIA, PA

My wish for 2017 is the healing
and blessings of the American
people. Personally, I want to
develop an understanding of
how I can make life better for
people. This time next year, I’d
like to be much more involved
with my community.

Page 13

JOSHUA CALDWELL,
25, SELLS SPEAK UP IN
CHARLOTTE, NC

I’d like to get a different place to live. I would
like to have a Rottweiler there.
In 2017, I want to spread the word about
Jesus and Speak Up. Also I wish Speak Up
had its own building instead of being in a
church. I don’t know what the government
can do to fix homelessness, but I will pray for
them.
I’m afraid of losing my loved ones and
staying single. My main goal for 2017 is to
become someone’s boyfriend, or fiancee, or
husband.

ARMANDO REDJEPI, 19 SELLS
LICE V LICE IN DEBAR MAALO,
SKOPJE, MACEDONIA

In 2017, I want to be employed in a good
and decent company that treats its employers
with dignity. I want to become mature and to
become independent from my parents and
family.
I want the government to start being
honest with people and to see reality as it is,
not to lie us. I want them to increase social
benefits, but also to give more opportunities
for employment of poor people which are
capable of work.
I’d like to see vendors travel in different
countries and to see in person what is it like
to be vendor in different street papers. I’m
adventurous and I like travelling a lot.

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VICKY B, 54, SELLS
THE CONTRIBUTOR IN
HERMITAGE, TN

I hope that this next year my son and myself
along with our dog will be in a permanent
place and out of this hotel. While I’m so
thankful for a roof, it’s time to sit at a table
and eat dinner instead of on a bed. It’s time
for me to do some baking. I love baking. I’m
wishing for a bike to save on bus fare but,
also not ruling out a car one day.
I’m afraid of losing this hotel room as bad
as it is, it’s all we have. I’m blessed to have
it, so many don’t even have that. We used to
ILFETA REGJEPI, 17, SELLS have a car to sleep in but not anymore. We
LICE V LICE IN SKOPJE, would have nowhere to go and I’m scared.
MACEDONIA In 2017 I want to see copies of The
Contributor in each home in Davidson
I’m expecting my first newborn next summer County, Tennessee. I want it used as a tool
and my greatest wish is for the baby to be for families, schools and churches to discuss
healthy, well and happy. I truly hope to be a homelessness. This would start conversations
good mother to my baby. about what other communities are doing
I know that we are not in a position about the homeless in their state and adapt
to return our debts, so I hope that the the programs that are working.
government will invalidate or forgive them. This time next year I’d like to be the voice
I’m afraid of becoming homeless in 2017. of the homeless. I want to be a law-changer,
We have huge debts and fear losing our a difference-maker, of course I want a home
home because of this. I want the public to to decorate for the holidays.
smile at us when we approach them. I don’t My message to readers is this: Keep
want to be left behind and to be treated as if I buying it, it’s working. Keep reading it, it’s
don’t exist. working. Keep sharing it, they’re learning.

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ROBERT, 56, SELLS STREETZINE IN
DOWNTOWN DALLAS, TX

My wish for 2017 is to get a job and have my own place. My
fear is panhandlers—they ruin our business. My message to
my customers for the new year is: keep reading!

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JOHN HAGAN, 46, SELLS
STREETWISE IN CHICAGO, IL

In 2017 I’d like to have more money to
travel because I haven’t travelled outside of
the Chicago area in three years. I would like
to go to Miami, Las Vegas or LA.
Jobs, jobs, and jobs—that’s the key to
tackling homelessness. Have people stop
being dependent on government and start
being self-sufficient.
To readers, I’d say: hang in there and see
how it works out. Never give up.

CRAIG SELLS THE BIG ISSUE IN
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

My wish for 2017 is to get a two-bedroom place so I can have
my daughter visit me – I want to spend more time with her. I
have fears about losing my daughter when it goes to court next
year. I think the government should use empty building to lease
out to house and support the homeless.
I want to say thanks to my customers for supporting me this
year. I am pursuing visits with my daughter. She is almost nine.
She is very good at running. I want to find a two-bedroom house
so that my daughter can come and visit, because at the moment
I am in a rooming house so she is not allowed to come there.

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JEAN-GUY DESLAURIERS,
60, SELLS L’ITINÉRAIRE IN
MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC, CANADA

My wishes for 2017 are happiness and
prosperity. A roof over everyone’s head and lots
of love all around. Over the next year I hope to
recover fully from my throat cancer treatments.
Get my energy back. And keep on loving
humanity!
This time next year I’d like to be right here at
L’Itinéraire. They are my family!
My message to readers would be: continue
buying street papers. Continue encouraging
those in need. When you buy a street paper,
you help people get their lives back on track,
offer some financial security and pass the
message that we are all human beings and we
deserve a fair treatment. Let’s stop prejudice
aimed at the homeless. They are people that
require help, not judgment.
JOYEUX NOËL À VOUS TOUS! (Merry
Christmas to you all!)

HOWIE ELLIS, 50, SELLS
ONE STEP AWAY IN
PHILADELPHIA

In 2017, I want to achieve financial
freedom. I hope that One Step
Away is published twice a month
and gets more endorsements. This
time next year, I’d like to be in
Florida or Aruba. To street paper
readers I’d say: never give up.

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MACCA, 46, SELLS BIG ISSUE NORTH IN
BILTON, HULL, UK

This time next year I’d like to be secure in my own employment.
I’d really like to own a van and do odd jobs, but I need someone
to help me out with that. Basically, I’d like to be secure in some
kind of full time work and have a regular wage coming in; that
would be the ideal situation.
To my customers: thank you very much for your buying the
magazine and for your support. Even those that don’t buy the
magazine but come have a chat with me—thank you. That
brings a smile to my face, because I know that I’m seen as a
human being because some people look down their nose at
you. So thank you, for taking a moment and supporting me
during these difficult times.

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