Everyone who is a part of the global street paper network knows what a street paper is – that extends to the staff that put each publication together and those who buy them. But the people who truly know what a street paper is – what it means – are those who sell them. Here, a collection of street paper vendors – from Brazil to Finland – tell us, in their own words, what a street paper is, personally to them.

In Denmark, coronavirus cases and deaths have been kept relatively low compared to other European countries. But, as with elsewhere, its homeless and socially excluded people remain at risk. With a government more used to criminalising than helping this population, street paper Hus Forbi has implemented radical measures to assist its vendors, and all vulnerable Danes, as the pandemic crisis continues.

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.

To mark the end of INSP’s 25th anniversary year, we have been asking vendors across the street paper network to write a letter to their 25-year-old self. Hus Forbi vendor Dirk talks through how Danish politics and society shaped his life.

As the European Parliament elections approach this week, Hus Forbi spoke to Freek Spinnewijn, director of FEANTSA, the European organisation fighting to end homelessness. He talks about the importance of the coming vote in relation to tackling homelessness across member states, and why this particular European election matters more than ever.

In collaboration with The Big Issue, vendors from street papers across the world have been sharing some insider tips on the cities they live and work in, which we are sharing during #VendorWeek. Here, Hus Forbi vendor Csaba talks about Copenhagen.

This year we asked vendors: if you could give a song as a present this Christmas, what would you choose? The result was the INSP Vendor Playlist, which is now available for your listening pleasure. Today, four Hus Forbi vendors give some insight into the songs they chose.

To coincide with the release of its 2019 calendar, vendors from Danish street paper Hus Forbi collaborated with soul-pop musician Lukas Graham on a special vinyl release of his song ‘You’re Not the Only One (Redemption Song)’.

After two Hus Forbi vendors were fined and kicked out of the municipality of Copenhagen, the Danish street paper is now raising funds to help their vendors pay fines and legal fees. The anti-homelessness law, which was passed by the Danish government in March, gives police the power to fine and dish out “zone bans” to people found rough sleeping, citing the reason that they have formed “a camp that creates insecurity”. Hus Forbi editor Poul Struve Nielsen explains more.

Amongst all the #VendorWeek events and activities going on, Hus Forbi’s take on the global celebration presents something a little bit different. Each night this week, one lucky reader will receive a visit from Hus Forbi editor Poul Struve Nielsen and one of the magazine’s vendors to cook up a delicious meal using recipes from the Danish street paper’s 2018 calendar.

‘The Pirate’ has been living on the streets for 17 years. He tells Hus Forbi about his experiences and about his plans for Christmas Eve – which involve a few beers, a bit of strong tobacco and loud techno music.

The old poorhouse in the Danish town of Svendborg is now a museum, featuring an exhibition about local street paper Hus Forbi. Vendor Jensine’s life is rough, but when she sees the old poorhouse in Svendborg, she feels privileged.

Hus Forbi vendors hope to show that anyone can find love and happiness, after their wedding day made it into local and national media this summer.