About Homes for Homes
Here is a model we know works, for people who need our help most. Read how Australia’s biggest social issue can become our greatest success to date and how you can play a key part.
Homelessness is bigger than any one of us
But together we can provide more social and affordable housing. It’s true. We are already doing it and we know it works. We are Homes for Homes, an independent, not-for-profit organisation, established by Australia’s largest and most successful social enterprise, The Big Issue.
Over the past 25 years we have provided marginalised people in our community with a means to work and earn. We want to end homelessness and with everyone’s help, we will.
Enlisting the help of property owners
A group of community leaders, including The Big Issue’s CEO, learnt of a forward thinking developer in the US who had found a way to address homelessness, by raising funds through the sale and resale of its properties. It was an ingenious plan and its potential is enormous.
Inspired, The Big Issue set about tailoring the initiative so the entire community could link arms on scale here in Australia. Homes for Homes is the result of more than ten years of planning, consultation, development and independent reviews, in the hope that everyone can feel safe, secure and housed.
In all Australian states and territories
Over the next 30 years Homes for Homes aims to raise more than $1 billion for social and affordable housing. Even based on the most conservative economic modelling we are well placed to achieve this.
As a new source of funding, Homes for Homes will take the money we raise and grant it to experienced housing providers to tackle the lack of homes for those living on or below the poverty line.
Homes for Homes is operational in every state and territory across Australia.
Because social enterprise works
The Big Issue is known for helping people help themselves. Selling The Big Issue magazine has enabled our most disadvantaged to earn an income and re-engage with the community, doing wonders for each individual’s self-esteem and financial empowerment.
Since 1996, over 13 million copies have been sold by vendors, earning in excess of $34 million and saving the Australian community more than $100 million. That’s a return on investment of $5.50 for every $1 spent.
With a strong delivery track record, an independent board, robust governance, as well as an advisory network of Australian business and industry leaders, The Big Issue is well placed to ensure that Homes for Homes goes from strength to strength.