August marks national Homelessness Week, with its theme “Housing Ends Homelessness”. It sounds simple, yet there are more than 116,000 Australians without a safe place to sleep every night, and some 140,000 people on the waiting list for public housing.
There’s a chronic shortage of 200,000 social and affordable houses; a shortage predicted to grow to more than 600,000 by 2030. In this edition we look at Australia’s affordable housing crisis and what’s being done.
We also celebrate The Big Issue’s Street Socceroos. Eight of our fittest and finest players are on their way to Wales to represent Australia at the 17th annual Homeless World Cup.
They’ll be competing against 500 players from 50 nations. For some, it’s their first time overseas. For all, it will be a life-changing experience. Go Street Socceroos!