Homelessness Week, held from 4-10 August 2025, is an annual event to build community support and government commitment to end homelessness. The theme for Homelessness Week 2025 is ‘Homelessness Action Now’, and there’s never been a more important time to act towards ending homelessness.  
Homelessness is one of the biggest social issues we face in Australia, with more than 122,000 Australians experience homelessness. This not only includes people sleeping rough, but also people in severely crowded dwellings, couch surfing, or living in supported and temporary accommodation. The causes of homelessness are complex but often include family and domestic violence, lack of social and affordable housing, finances and mental health challenges.  

The Big Issue works to positively impact those facing homelessness, disadvantage and marginalisation, by providing meaningful work opportunities and a connection with the community. We’re best known for The Big Issue magazine, a fortnightly magazine sold by street vendors across Australia. Vendors purchase each magazine for $4.50 and sell it for $9, earning a meaningful income, and since launching the magazine in 1996 more than 7,700 vendors like Aaron (below) have collectively earned $40 million.  

Other programs run by The Big Issue include our Women’s Workforce, Community Street Soccer Program, and Classroom. These programs create low-barrier employment opportunities for people living on the margins as well as opportunities to meet others, improve self-esteem, confidence and capacity to help themselves.  

At a time when secure and safe housing is out of reach for thousands of Australians, our work at The Big Issue is more important than ever before.

Donate to The Big Issue today!

Other ways you can support this week, and into the future! 

• Visit your local vendor and purchase a copy of The Big Issue magazine.  

• Subscribe to The Big Issue magazine and have physical copies delivered to your office or home. Subscriptions help women experiencing homelessness and disadvantage to earn an income through meaningful employment. 

• Spread the word to your networks so even more people can support us.