The regional work of INSP has increased dramatically since the first lockdown as solidarity and connection have become more important than ever. That has overwhelmingly been the case in Latin America, as INSP’s tight knit group of publications have battled through adversity to continue their work. This is an overview of the region’s street papers.

39-year-old Ricardo Blanco has been an on-and-off vendor for Hecho en Bs As (HBA) since 2003. He reflects on his life so far, and how working for HBA has helped him feel more confident in being able to provide for his family. Blanco is most proud of his family that includes his wife and his four children and grandchild, and the home that he’s been able to build.

News of the two decade street paper veteran Patricia Merkin’s death has been met with sadness across the street paper network. The founder, director and editor of Argentinian street paper Hecho en Bs. As. was much loved and respected by peers all over the world for her tireless and passionate work for the vulnerable and marginalised.

The Big Issue took stock of how coronavirus is affecting the world’s homeless community, providing another update on just how severely the spread of the virus is impacting street papers and the people for which they provide an income.

Andrea, Selene and Vicky are all Hecho en Bs As vendors and each one has her own story to tell. All three have something in common: their involvement with HBA has been a turning point in their lives. Andrea would not change HBA for anything and now wants to finish high school; Selene is a successful vendor who dreams of traveling and being a writer; and Vicky believes that there is more to selling HBA than making sales and finds strength in her faith.

Although Luis seems reluctant to open up at first, he is candid about how much selling HBA means to him. Most important to him is the opportunity it affords him to meet so many different people.

Javier Mouteira enjoys selling Hecho en Bs. As. because the flexible hours mean he can manage his own schedule. “Thanks to the magazine, I can do a lot of things that I had put off at other times in my life.”

“My wife is pleased that I’m working for HBA because she knows I’m okay and bringing money in,” says Argentinian street paper vendor Juan Pablo. He’s sending good wishes to vendors worldwide.

“Selling for HBA is not a job that enslaves you, in fact the schedule is flexible…HBA gives me more freedom.” Luciano hopes that his earnings from selling the Argentinian street paper will help him finish building his house.

Argentinian street paper Hecho en Bs As is helping its vendors relax and gain confidence through yoga. We hear how the classes are benefiting not only vendors, but also readers who attend the classes.