In our 30th year, The Big Issue has launched a new appeal to create more opportunities for people to support those experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage.
For 30 years, The Big Issue has been creating work-led solutions to homelessness and poverty.
From the magazine to Women’s Workforce, Classroom and Street Soccer, The Big Issue creates practical opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and marginalisation to earn an income, build confidence and reconnect with community. This is more than short-term relief. It’s a pathway forward.
It’s a pathway that has helped thousands of Australians living on the margins, including Sydney vendor Rachel.
Rachel experienced homelessness with her four children for 10 years, in that time they lived in 25 different types of accommodation. She had become used to being known by her case number, no-one asked what her name was in years. But when she came to The Big Issue and was asked her first name, that began a journey of healing and transformation.
Rachel says joining The Big Issue and becoming a street vendor has given her independence, purpose and connection.
“Because of the cycle of homelessness, I felt like I had failed my children and at life. But when I walked into The Big Issue, I felt kindness and opportunity. It’s a foundation for me to build upon – it was up to me to do what I did from there.
“I’m working hard to make it on my own. I am contributing to society, and that means everything to me.”
In the current landscape of increasing homelessness, housing crisis and rising cost-of-living pressure, more and more people are facing tough times every day. With 1 in 7 Australians living in poverty and more than 122,000 people experiencing homelessness, our work has never been more important.
That’s why, in our 30th year, The Big Issue has launched a new appeal to create more opportunities for people to support those experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage.
Your support of The Big Appeal helps us create more opportunities and solutions for work, income and pathways out of poverty across Australia.
And the solution works. The Big Issue has created real results and change over three decades. More than 8,000 vendors like Rachel have collectively earned more than $41 million, and since joining The Big Issue:
✅ 71% of participants found stable housing
✅ 88% of participants maintained work for 3+ years
✅ 100% of participants have improved self-confidence and self-care
You can be part of creating lasting change through income, confidence and connection. You can be part of transforming lives like Rachel’s.