Literacy is a huge barrier to breaking out of poverty with reading and writing skills crucial to everything from filling out a job application to opening a bank account.
Reading can also provide rough sleepers a sense of escapism from a harsh existence of facing the elements out on the streets.
That’s why schemes like Streetreads, which offers free books for rough sleepers in Edinburgh, play a crucial role alongside front-line services in helping those on the streets.
Calling readers, writers, bloggers, educators, librarians, storytellers & book enthusiasts! Become a Friend of @Streetreads so people experiencing #homelessness can enjoy books, storytelling & literacy support. RT, follow & sign up @street_work https://t.co/aW2zSmxvCp pic.twitter.com/AINpujSsJb
— Streetwork at Simon Community Scotland (@street_work) October 12, 2018
The initiative, run by homelessness charity Streetwork, has now attracted the support of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and bestselling crime author Ian Rankin. The pair joined organisers in putting a call-out to literary heavyweights to become ambassadors last week as well as asking members of the public to help distribute books.
Streetreads, which also provides literary classes alongside a network of outlets offering free books, will also offer its service in Glasgow later this year through Streetwork’s sister charity Simon Community Scotland.
