Our year-round work culminates in a world class event which has the power to transform the lives of participants and shape attitudes towards this global issue, using the universal language of football.
Our tournament brings a sense of purpose to people who may feel like they’ve lost theirs, and helps inspire them to change their lives.
Being homeless can be incredibly isolating, making people feel removed from society and alone. Joining a football team can be a small but hugely significant step in helping an individual to become part of a community.
We use football as a global support network to help and inspire people struggling to make a home for themselves. We want to create an environment for them in which they are empowered to change their own lives. We want our tournament teams to feel like champions before they’ve even stepped on the pitch.
Each year, our international network of Member Countries inspires more than 100,000 homeless people across the globe. Over 500 players participate each year in more than 400 games over 8 days.
Transforming Lives
1.3m lives changed
since 2003
94%
say the Homeless World Cup positively impacted their lives
83%
players improved social relations with family and friends
77%
say the Homeless World Cup changed their lives significantly
76%
continue to enjoy & play the sport
CHanging Perceptions
One of our main goals at the Homeless World Cup is to challenge and ultimately change people’s perceptions of homelessness and the issues that surround it.
By showing the human side of homelessness we aim to breakdown stereotypes and change the ways in which we think and talk about homelessness.
One of the main ways is through the tournament itself.
Research by La Trobe University showed that the Homeless World Cup significantly improves spectators’s attitudes towards people who are homeless.
Attending the Homeless World Cup and being exposed to the inspiring stories of the remarkable participants can change people’s perspectives of individuals experiencing homelessness.
70 Member Countries
Are part of our Homeless World Cup family, giving us true global reach
86%
Of attendees felt more aware of the issues facing people who are homeless after the Homeless World Cup in Glasgow
30,000
Children learned about homelessness and the power of sport to aid integration and acceptance at the 2008 Homeless World Cup in Melbourne
HOST City impact
The Homeless World Cup has shone a global spotlight on major cities since 2003 – a platform to raise awareness of the different global issues surrounding homelessness while showcasing the very best of local culture and people.
17 Major cities
have hosted the Homeless World Cup
“The Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup brought together people of all cultures and experiences to raise community awareness of homelessness and provided a real opportunity to provide positive change in the lives of the participants”
The Hon John Brumby
MP Premier of Victoria
“The week long tournament in Cardiff provided an incredible platform: for the players to demonstrate their skill and passion; for the public to engage with the tournament and with the varied debate and discussion that sat alongside the football.
The Tournament generated a huge amount of positive good will in Cardiff and beyond, and the work to harness this and take it forward into a positive, lasting legacy, has already begun.”
Michael Sheen
Homeless World Cup Champion
Global Homelessness Statistics
To help our supporters better understand this global problem, we have sought to compile the latest available statistics on the challenges faced by people around the globe.
You can support our work and help us reach even more people who are experiencing homelessness. Here are some of the ways in which you can help the Homeless World Cup Foundation and contribute to a charity that has already changed the lives of thousands of people around the world.
Help us end homelessness
-
Donate today to help people who are homeless and help continue our vital work across the globe.A world without Homelessness.
That’s the goal.
Thank you.
-
Walk, Run, Swim, Cycle
The choice is yours… Why not do your bit to help people who are homeless and improve your fitness at the same time?
Donate Your Happy Birthday!
Instead of asking for presents, raise money to help people who are homeless by asking for donations to the Homeless World Cup Foundation.
Do it Your Way
Organise your own event – BBQ or bake sale, football tournament or fancy dress party, the choice is yours.
Get Your Boss on Board
Ask your employer how they can help – from Charity of the Year at your firm, to nominate a charity for the Christmas raffle.
-
Help the Homeless World Cup Foundation every time you shop with Sustainably. Simply connect your card and Sustainably will securely round up and donate your spare change every time you shop, so you can easily support us just by buying your coffees, groceries or new shoes!Simply download the app and search for “Homeless World Cup Foundation”.
