Real Change

Founded in 1994, the Real Change is an award-winning street newspaper that provides immediate employment opportunity to homeless and low-income people throughout the Pacific Northwest. Highly regarded as the leading street newspaper in North America, Real Change provides a low-barrier employment opportunity to an average of 250 homeless and low-income individuals each month while challenging the structures that create poverty.

Real Change offers hope and opportunity to those who are economically marginalized and often have limited options for legitimate employment. To read more about the Real Change Vendors who earn income by selling the street newspaper, please read profiles published here. We envision a just, caring and inclusive community, where people are no longer marginalized by racism and classism and have the means to live with dignity.

Real Change accomplishes our mission through three integrated program areas:

The Vendor Program offers a low-barrier, self-employment opportunity to an average of 250 homeless and very low-income people each month. We meet people where they are, and put simply, this means we do not require ID, a background check, an interview, or any other barriers that often prevent people from obtaining employment. Vendors pay Real Change 60 cents per newspaper, with discounts available, and resell the paper for the $2 cover price plus tips. Vendors are able to begin selling the paper and earning income immediately after attending a one-hour orientation that includes agreement to the vendor guidelines, 10 free newspapers, and an invitation to join various program activities such as sales training, vendor leadership positions, and paid participation in the Homeless Speaker's Bureau.

The Real Change Newspaper is an award-winning street newspaper produced by a professional staff, dozens of volunteers, and informed by a low-income and homeless editorial committee that meets regularly to discuss content. Each week, content centers around issues of economic, racial, and social justice.

Real Change Advocacy - Real Change is a leading voice on the survival issues that directly affect vendors. We use this voice to build a movement for economic justice and build the political will to ensure that public policies benefit homeless and low-income people. The Vendor Organizing Committee empowers and elevates vendors' voices in order to take action on budget and policy issues that impact the daily lives of low-income and homeless individuals. Through the Homeless Speakers Bureau, homeless and formerly homeless people speak to groups about their personal experiences with homelessness to educate the public, facilitate conversation, and inspire social action.