Anti-Poverty Week 2026

The importance of Anti-Poverty Week — together we can make a difference

Anti-Poverty Week has been observed in Australia for more than 20 years, centred around the annual United Nations Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October). In 2026, Anti-Poverty Week is recognised from 11-17 October. 
 
This national campaign has two key aims. 

1. Deepening Australians’ understanding of poverty — highlighting the issues that contribute to and sustain poverty for individuals, families and communities
2. Motivating people to take meaningful, collective action to address (and ultimately eradicate) poverty 

Anti-Poverty Week is supported by a wide range of individuals, charities, and organisations, including The Salvation Army. 

The Salvation Army network of support

The Salvation Army is committed to reducing poverty and financial stress by promoting financial stability, capacity and wellbeing, and advocating at all levels of government.

A range of essential services — including Moneycare (free financial counselling and capability service) and Doorways (emergency support and case management service) — play a vital role in this effort. These services are part of a broader Salvation Army network addressing issues that may be related to poverty, such as homelessness, housing, family and domestic violence, and drug and alcohol issues. 

In 2025-26, The Salvation Army Doorways Emergency Relief services: 

• Assisted more than 91,500 people
• Provided more than 166,000 sessions of care
• Provided nearly 78,200 people with financial assistance
• Provided more than $11.8 million in financial assistance  

(Source: The Salvation Army Impact Report 2026) 

Among people surveyed who received Doorways emergency relief in 2025: 

• 87% were living below the poverty line 
• 92% found it difficult to afford basic living costs such as housing, groceries, medical care and utilities
• 36% could not afford to make the minimum repayment on credit cards, loans or other debts 
• 79% were living week to week with no savings for emergency purposes

How you can act to end poverty

The challenge of combating and ending poverty can seem overwhelming, but every action creates a ripple effect that can lead to significant change. The more of us who become informed, get involved, speak out, and take action, the more impact we have collectively.
 
This Anti-Poverty Week, we all have the power to make a difference! Here are some ways you can help:

Write letters and articles:

• Write informed articles or social media posts — and invite others to share their voice too
• Be an advocate: write letters to politicians and publications (like newspapers and websites) — and encourage others to add their voice 

Create special events:

• Organise special church services or other events focused on ending poverty
• Host talks or presentations featuring individuals with lived experience of poverty or those working to address it
• Combine events with social activities, like shared meals 

Volunteer and donate:

• Volunteer your time or donate to organisations like The Salvation Army working to alleviate poverty
• Reach out to businesses, encouraging them to offer free or low-cost assistance to those experiencing poverty — this may include services like dental care, car repair, accountancy or legal services 

Act creatively: 

• Encourage community members to produce art that explores issues around poverty, and consider sharing it via virtual workshops, exhibitions or displays
• Combine creative activities with fundraising efforts, this could include charging a small fee at the exhibition or auctioning off the art

Remember, every effort counts, and together we can make a difference. Explore more ideas for activities and advocacy on the Anti-Poverty Week website.