An urgent appeal has been set up to raise money for a Gloucester Road Big Issue seller so she can pay her rent.
The woman, who wished not to be named, is pregnant and also has a toddler to care for.
Like thousands of other people across the country, her livelihood was cut off during the coronavirus pandemic.
Her husband has also been unable to work during the crisis and with a baby due in just weeks, financial pressure on the family has been building.
When Lottie Hope, who talked with the Big Issue seller on several occasions, heard about her plight she decided to launch a Gofundme.
It has raised £1,010 so far.
She said: "Since lockdown, our lovely local Big Issue seller has not been able to work, and nor has her partner.
"Paying the past three months rent has used up what little savings they had. They are now desperately worried, particularly because they are due to welcome a new baby due in July, and have a toddler already.
"This is a scary time to feel so vulnerably housed."
Lottie took her number before lockdown began in case she could help during these worrying times.
"Having not seen her for the three months of lockdown, and realising that meant she must be very pregnant by now, I called her to check how she was getting on, " said Lottie. "It turned out that this time had been a really hard struggle for her with no means to earn an income."
Lottie knew she could ask the community for clothes, nappies and toys but this wouldn't solve mounting pressure to pay rent.
"I started the 'Gofundme' and hoped we'd get some way towards what she needed," she explained.
"But since there are so many lovely people willing to help out, I have raised the target in the hope that together we can get them enough that they don't need to worry about rent for a little bit longer, while the baby is tiny.
"Work is so unpredictable in the current climate. Let's help them get through this patch."
To donate, click here.
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