Case Study: The Big Issue achieves employment, confidence and skills for homeless women with Salesforce for Nonprofits

Empowering homeless women to work their way out of poverty with The Big Issue subscription service

The Big Issue is a not‑for‑profit social enterprise that offers employment and income to homeless and disadvantaged people through its street magazine. Facing a major gender gap—only about 15% of vendors are women—and high rates of female homelessness and domestic violence, The Big Issue needed an alternative pathway for women who are reluctant to sell on the streets.

They created the Women’s Subscription Enterprise: a safe, supportive call‑centre model powered by Salesforce Sales Cloud and Service Cloud where women sell subscriptions, pack magazines and earn a casual wage. With one‑to‑one mentoring from Salesforce volunteers, the program has improved participants’ confidence and skills, expanded to new centres in Melbourne and Adelaide, and helped individuals like Cheryl move from homelessness to reconnecting with family and stable work.

The Big Issue

Emma O’Halloran

Head of Marketing