Our work

I. Recovery of "Connectedness"--- Independent Living Support

1.Assistance for Independent Living

（1）Living (Legal) Consultation

Discuss prospects of future living firsthand, and provide assistance with legal matters such as multiple debts which is a leading cause of homelessness.

（2）Medical Consultation

Work with volunteer doctors and doctors associations to implement periodical health examinations for the homeless person and provide them with a "health card". It aims to eventually create a health (card) network for the homeless persons to receive free medical assistance supported by assisting organizations such as the government.

（3）Housing Assistance

Provide information on low cost housing and surety. Also assist with vendors' initiations for group home establishments.

2. Support for Overcoming Addiction

One of the leading causes of homelessness is a variety of addiction problems such as alcoholism and gambling. We will provide support to overcome addiction problems by working together with related self-help groups, NPO and medical institutions.

3. Support for Young Homeless Persons

There is an increase in the number of homeless people in their 20s and 30s or even younger. The foundation will cooperate with job placement service offices such as JOB Cafe, and provide them with career counseling, job training opportunities, and job placement services. In order to prevent young people falling into homelessness and to promote early social rehabilitation, it will explore the best means to support them.

4. Re-employment Support

Recommend sales of the Big Issue Japan to regain the rhythm of work and provide individual support to the vendors.

（1） Provide support to recover relationships to others and society, and build confidence in work through the Big Issue Japan sales.

（2） Provide support to move onto the 2nd step of renting an apartment through sales of the Big Issue Japan .

5. Support for Financial Management

To prepare them for the 3rd step, create a bank savings account called "Big Issue Savings Account" and support them with money management.

II. Developing Job Listings---Employment Placement/Training Program

1. Training of Preparing for Job Hunting

As a preparation step to actual job hunting, basic skills trainings such as resume writing and interview manners will be provided.

2. Employment Support Training

（1）Basic Education

In order for the individuals to hold their jobs once employed, they will be provided with basic skills such as basic computer skills, language skills, and/or manners.

（2）Skills/Qualification Training

With the cooperation of partner agencies, courses in computer skills, forklift operation, care work/ home help, cleaning services etc. will be offered for the better and broader selection of career choices.

（3）On the Job Training

With the cooperation of organizations such as private for-profit companies and social enterprise offices, opportunities for OJT will be offered. This aims to eliminate alienation from work among homeless persons and multiply the types of jobs they can apply for.

3. Developing Job Listings and Placement Assistance

The foundation will collaborate with cooperative organizations such as for-profit companies and social enterprise offices to develop job listings that are receptive to persons with a history of homelessness.

4. Follow-up Services

To support ex-homeless person maintain their employment, follow-up services will provide individual counseling as needed.

III. Regain Morale and Joy of Life -Support for Cultural and Sports Activities Program

Overcoming addiction, working hard on vocational training, finding a job, and starting to live an ordinary life are only possible when a person finds morale and joy in his/her life. The foundation will create opportunities to take part in fun activities through dance, singing, soccer, and other social clubs.

1. Establishing the Social Club

The Social Club (Koryu Salon) will be established as a "drop-by" place for anybody and everybody.

2. Holding Workshops

Hands-on activity workshops such as Qigong or cooking class will be arranged as requested by the vendors.

3. Club Activities

Various club activities such as walking, dance, music, and computer activities will be organized.

4. Collaboration with Specialists

In collaboration with artists who have worked with the Big Issue Japan , vendors will have opportunities to appreciate their artistic performances and cultural activities and to express themselves through such activities. Homeless persons will perform self-expressive activities that promote sense of self-affirmation and create zest for their lives.

Preceding Projects

Contemporary Dance Project

In collaboration with dancer Hiroki Aoki, a dance club has been organized among vendors in Tokyo . They successfully held a contemporary dance performance called Sokerissa on January 23rd, 2007 and March 15 th , 2008 .

"H.O.P. Project"

Oni, a singer of internationally known Japanese Indies band "Afuriranpo", has initiated organizing the Homeless Orchestra Peko-peko (H.O.P: Peko-peko is a descriptive phrase for "starving"). Their debut live performance was on November 19, 2006. Currently, they are continuing the activity as O.H.B.B. (Osaka Homeless Big Band) with renewed members.

5. Social and International Activities

The foundation will tackle homelessness issues in partnership with people interested through social activities, campaigns, and other Big Issue events.

Past Activities and Events

I Love Street (Street Cleanup Campaign)
Vendors expanded cleanup areas from vending spot to streets and to the city. Performance events were held on the street to make it a fun place to meet people.

Homeless Issues Advertisement Display

In collaboration with Ogilvy & Mather Japan K.K., life-size man-shaped signs were made. A series of man-shaped signs represented the process of a change in a homeless man's life from lying/sleeping on the street to sitting up to standing up. Those signs were placed in a pathway of the Yokohama City Subway Kannai Station as long as 100 meter (refer to homepage).

Homeless World Cup

Established in 2003, Homeless World Cup is an annual, international football tournament. It campaigns for boosting people's awareness of poverty. 7 out of the 8 members of our team who played in Sweden 2004 had moved onto new jobs and been out of the streets. Our team is now planning to play in the pitch in Milan , Italy in September 2009 (see homepage).