One of the highlights of our recent Steps for Homeless Youth fundraising walk/run was the presentation of a $100,000 cheque from social enterprise Homes for Homes, in support of Haven House Shepparton.
This generous grant makes it possible for the Property Industry Foundation to build homes for young mums in the Shepparton region. The homes will be managed by Bridge Youth Services, in partnership with Women’s Property Initiatives. “It’s wonderful to be able to grant funds to a project in regional Victoria in this round,” says Tracy Longo, COO, Homes for Homes.
“Housing need is not something that only impacts urban centres,”
Tracy Longo, COO, Homes for Homes
“Our expert, industry-based advisory group assesses all applications in each round and grants the funds to those who they feel will have the most impact. The Haven House project was chosen as the 3 x 2-bedroom units will provide housing for young women and their children in a regional location that has a significant need.”
Donnette Rushworth, Partnerships Manager presented the cheque to Tim Slattery, Chair Board of Advisors Victoria at Albert Park Lake on 26 May.
“The Property Industry Foundation is exceptionally grateful to Homes for Homes for awarding us with a $100,000 grant for ‘The Nest’ – Haven House Shepparton,” says Tim. “The grant will be instrumental in making this wonderful project a reality and changing the lives of the young people it is designed for. In partnership with Women’s Property Initiatives and The Bridge Youth Services the project will build three brand new two bedroom homes to accommodate young mums impacted by homelessness. The homes will help care for three young women and their kids at any one time to enable them to live independently and get their lives back on track.”
“The grant will be instrumental in making this wonderful project a reality and changing the lives of the young people it is designed for. In partnership with Women’s Property Initiatives and The Bridge Youth Services the project will build three brand new two bedroom homes to accommodate young mums impacted by homelessness. The homes will help care for three young women and their kids at any one time to enable them to live independently and get their lives back on track.”
The success of The Haven Project relies on both the contribution of the property and construction industry, and the wraparound support programs provided by our Charity Partners. “As an established Community Housing Provider supporting women and children at risk of homelessness, The Women’s Property Initiative is well placed to manage this property,” says Tracy. “It’s wonderful when funded projects can provide ongoing support beyond the build of the property and the local support in Shepparton provided by Bridge Youth Services is especially important.”
Haven House Shepparton is an example of the collective effort to solve the youth homelessness crisis in Australia. “Homelessness is too big a problem for one organisation or government to solve on its own,” says Tracy.
“Homes for Homes is delighted to contribute funding so that the Property Industry Foundation can continue to build homes for youth experiencing homelessness. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.”
Homes for Homes is a simple promise that when a home sells, 0.1% of the sale price will be donated. This donation is then pooled with other donations in that state or territory and granted to community housing providers to build homes for those in need. More information is at homesforhomes.org.au
