The homeless people of the world are largely misunderstood. While picking up a copy of The Big Issue in my living room and flicking through, I found poems and things some people had written. People see homeless people as all the same, and I will agree so

The homeless people of the world are largely misunderstood. While picking up a copy of The Big Issue in my living room and flicking through, I found poems and things some people had written.

People see homeless people as all the same, and I will agree some homeless are there because of drugs or drinking too much. But some are there to provide for their children, their family members, or even their dog. We should not look at a homeless man or woman and simply think drugs, we should look and see a person. Why is that person ignored? Why do so many people walk right past them? Are we that shallow that if a person is selling The Big Issue to make money that gives us a right to ignore him? What does that make the human race?

The world is a mess when people are treated differently. The black and white people of the world have united in parts of the world. So why are people like the homeless still treated badly? Why are they singled out as almost a race of their own?

Is it because they are different? If that is the reason then I will stand outside a charity shop and play my guitar. All the money I receive will go to charity. Does that make me different? If people are now measured by their differences, then everyone should be their own race and everyone should ignore everyone else. But we don't.

Because I live in a house and because I have warmth and clothes on my back, I am a so-called normal person. People notice me when I say excuse me. But a homeless woman is ignored and treated like nothing. People walk by pretending to talk on their phone, and others say "sorry I have no change" then walking into Peacocks or another shop and coming out armed with shopping bags.

I know a woman who stands in the Royston town high street. She has children and a husband, she stands in rain and snow not because she is all alone and likes to use drugs, but because she is supporting her family. And I am proud to smile at her and buy her Big Issue whenever I see her.

Homeless people shouldn't be referred to any differently, they are people just like you or me. The Big Issue is a blessing, it is a wonderful magazine and I buy it every time I have the chance.

People selling The Big Issue aren't begging - they are making an honest living.

Molly Fisher

Briary Lane, Royston