A Solution to Poverty — Powered by Community
The Big Issue has stood as a unique and proven solution to homelessness and poverty. Every day, we create genuine opportunities for people experiencing marginalisation and disadvantage to earn an income, build stability and reconnect with their community through meaningful work.
Read: 2025 Social Impact Report
Since 1996, participants in The Big Issue community have collectively earned more than $41 million, gaining not just income, but independence, confidence and connection. Best known for The Big Issue fortnightly street magazine, we also run other social enterprises such as the Women’s Workforce, Classroom and Community Street Soccer Program.
For every dollar invested in The Big Issue, $5.50 is returned to the community, delivering $240 million in social value since 1996* through reduced demand on health, justice and social services, and stronger community participation.
CEO Steven Persson says the report captures the ongoing benefits of The Big Issue programs:
“Poverty in Australia is deepening, and homelessness, a visible symptom of poverty, cannot be solved by temporary fixes. The real solution lies in providing income and community inclusion, and this is what The Big Issue continues to deliver through its programs. The Big Issue magazine enterprise, Women’s Workforce, Community Street Soccer Program and The Big Issue Classroom are proven to empower independence and foster belonging.”
None of this happens without a community that believes in fairness, inclusion, and the potential of every person. Because of your involvement, whether by purchasing a magazine, subscribing, donating, or partnering with us, you have helped create real, lasting change. Thank you. Together, we’ve built a community that offers dignity, opportunity and a pathway forward for people living in poverty.
Thank you for your support
Your support helps ensure more people living on the margins have the chance to work, to connect and to participate in their communities equally. Donate today and be part of a proven solution that creates opportunity and changes lives.
*Social value calculated using a costs-avoided methodology.