TIME is running out for a project which aims to relieve homelessness.
Without Walls, a 300-page anthology which explores homelessness through history, articles, images and more than 70 poems about Colchester’s heritage and landmarks, faces a £1,000 shortfall to cover production costs.
Since the historian behind the venture, Alice Goss, went public about the book last month, only £200 in donations have been received.
Without Walls was inspired by Alice’s own near miss with homelessness so it has been a labour of love but one shared by acclaimed academics and creatives both nationally and across north Essex.
She said: “This is a project which has been 18 months in the making and is so close to achieving all its results.
“There’s an awful lot of history in this which goes back to Roman and Medieval times.
“The book details the history of vagrancy and the changing reactions of the time looking at those who were executed for vagrancy, branded, and how attitudes have changed through backdoor donations and churches through to established charities.
“[Historian] Andrew Phillips has written about Edwardian vagrants and there is also a look back at homeless people who had been in court records.
“This is so much more than just a book of poetry.”
Poetry Wivenhoe’s Martin Newell, David Canning and Peter Ualrig Kennedy have penned works as well as artist Sheena Clover and national writer Kit Wright among others.
Artists and photographers such as Angela Horner, Sally Howard, Jason Botelho, Simon Crow and Jade Fothergill have contributed too alongside Colchester’s MP Will Quince who is writing the foreword.
Businesses which back the book will also be tied to several high-profile launch events and venues this autumn including Essex Poetry Festival and Colchester Arts Centre.
Alice said: “The project itself can be replicated in other towns and cities with short stories, a book of prayers, whatever creative idea is more suitable to any given location. However, time is running out.”
All proceeds will be shared with Emmaus, St Peter’s Guest House, the Night Shelter, Colchester’s bus conversion project and the food bank.
Donate at facebook.com/ColchesterPoetryProject or email alice555uk@yahoo.com.
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