10 Years for Homeless Youth in Queensland

The Property Industry Foundation proudly celebrated their 10th Anniversary in Queensland on 31 August, with a fundraising dinner at The Calile Hotel in Brisbane. We thank the 250 industry friends and colleagues who came together to mark a decade of teamwork and contribution in support of homeless youth in the region – a chance to look back on past achievements and into the future where new projects and events are underway. “The Foundation provides incredibly valuable industry expertise to groups needing homes, as well as funds. Its importance has never been greater,” said Kathy Mac Dermott, a longstanding supporter of the Foundation both in Queensland and nationally. “With the housing crisis, its role is more critical by the day.”

At the event, the Foundation officially launched its next project, Haven House Logan. This flagship project, in partnership with The Lady Musgrave Trust, will provide brand new transitional housing to at-risk young mothers (aged 18-24 years) and their children. “The Foundation has come so far in the last 10 years in Queensland, and we are very excited about the future projects it has in its pipeline, especially Haven House Logan,” said Antoinette Rusby-Perera, Queensland State Manager. “Young people and single mothers have been hit hard by the housing crisis and these bedrooms and homes will provide hope, opportunity, safety to rebuild and a chance to break the cycle of homelessness. I am so proud of what we as an industry achieved, together we raised over $1M of in-kind donations and cash for this project.”

“The support of the Property Industry Foundation has been essential to getting the ball rolling on this project, providing an avenue for other industry partners to commit their time and expertise to get us to ‘shovel ready’ status,”

Victoria Parker, CEO of The Lady Musgrave Trust

The Lady Musgrave Trust’s Logan Housing Hub will provide up to 4,000 nights of safe accommodation in Logan for young women and children experiencing homelessness due to domestic and family violence. Four self-contained homes will be available for young families, as well as onsite support, social spaces and proximity to schools and transport. “The support of the Property Industry Foundation has been essential to getting the ball rolling on this project, providing an avenue for other industry partners to commit their time and expertise to get us to ‘shovel ready’ status,” says The Lady Musgrave Trust CEO Victoria Parker. “This coalition of powerful partners will mean young Queensland women who need it most will have a safe place to live and receive the support they need to get ahead.”

Queensland, along with the rest of Australia faces unacceptable homelessness rates among young people and the problem isn’t going away. At the dinner, guests heard from guest speaker Kloe, who shared firsthand the impact this purpose-built development will have for young mothers and their children for years to come. “The problem of youth homelessness and of young people being exposed to a high level of personal risk through homelessness certainly hasn’t gone away,” said Brian McGuckin, who was part of the inaugural QLD board a decade ago. “The current economic challenges and particular housing availability and affordability faced by many Australians means the issue has become larger in recent times; the role of the Foundation is more necessary and more relevant than ever. Ten years supporting youth homelessness and kids at risk is a major milestone for the Foundation in Queensland. The Property Industry Foundation has provided many in our industry with a platform to participate in a worthwhile cause – often having great fun and being able to grow their own industry networks in the process.”

With fundraising still underway to cover the capital costs of construction for Haven House Logan, Rusby-Perera reiterated the importance of these initiatives within the context of the escalating cost of living and housing crisis. “Projects like these not only construct physical spaces but also provide essential lifelines that empower disadvantaged youth and break the cycle of hardship,” Ms Rusby-Perera said. “We are an industry that’s a leader in innovation, thought leadership and impact. We saw that on display at our 10-year anniversary dinner. We are an industry that wants to build a better world for future generations and your commitment and support have got us here today and will lead us into the future.”