This international day serves as a platform to celebrate good works, benchmark progress, advocate for improved policies and funding that can help prevent and end homelessness.
World Homeless Day also aims to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience homelessness and promote work in local communities to alleviate suffering and prevent death.
The concept of ‘World Homeless Day’ emerged from online discussions between people working to respond to homelessness from various parts of the world.
The Inaugural day was marked on the 10th of October 2010, which makes 2025 celebrations, the 16th annual World Homeless Day.
Since its founding, it has been observed on every continent (except Antarctica), in over 100 countries.
Use of the idea of ‘World Homeless Day’ is open for all to use… anywhere in the world.
You can use the day as a point of reference, and mention what you are doing is for example:
The international day is referenced and pointed to all year round, with a groundswell of activity around a month and a half surrounding it.
Unlike many other international days or observances, World Homeless Day does not have a theme each year.
There is no official worldwide color used, however some individual charities run engagement programs that include the wearing of one colour or another to support that charity.