The Property Industry Foundation is delighted to welcome lighting company Light Project as a new National Donor. We spoke to Founder, Matt Hicks about why they decided to join the fight against youth homelessness.
Why has Light Project decided to join the Property Industry Foundation as a National Donor?
Youth homelessness can happen to any child, regardless of upbringing. Being able to contribute to making a positive change in someone’s life, helping them assimilate into a share house and learn essential life skills, is a cause we are proud to be part of.
Youth homelessness is a cause close to heart for Simonne Bailey , Simone Hicks (Light Project’s CEO & COO) and I, having seen firsthand the repercussions it has had on someone close to us. Furthermore, as parents, the ability to contribute through the Foundation in shaping a young person’s life and the next generation is invaluable. The support provided by the Property Industry Foundation is a real lifeline; tackling youth homelessness opens up the door to increased social inclusion, mental health benefits, education and employment.
“We are excited to be on this journey with the Property Industry Foundation, coming on board at an exciting time for the organisation as they’re on track to reach their goal of 300 bedrooms by 2025.”
Matt Hicks, Founder, Light Project
Why do you see this partnership as valuable?
We jumped at the opportunity to work with the Property Industry Foundation, having heard many positive stories about their work. As a business, when you give to charitable causes, it is often challenging to track how the money is spent and if it will reach those that need it the most. With the Foundation, you see the homes that are built through The Haven Project and the opportunity they offer young people to build a better future for themselves.
Giving back to the community and doing this alongside other like-minded businesses, there is also the opportunity to form some great partnerships and add value into the future.
What is important about providing safe and secure homes for homeless youth?
The early years of a child’s life are a transformative time; having those basic needs met – a roof over their head and a place to call home is the bare minimum. With stable housing and the support of the Foundation and their charity partners, they can focus on fulfilling their dreams and eventually exiting these homes equipped with the skills for a better life.
There are so many great causes out there, but the Foundation’s mission stood out for us. In the last 12 months, 293 young people have spent at least six days in a Haven House. Evidence shows how these early years and having basic needs met can impact adulthood. These are real, tangible results that the Property Foundation and its community have achieved that will legitimately benefit youths and society in the long run.
What events or activities are you looking forward to this year?
We’re looking forward to engaging in as many events and activities as possible during the year and into the future, specifically Workerbees, SleepOuts and Regattas.
What is fantastic about the industry joining forces to support the Foundation’s The Haven Project?
It has been a tough few years for the property sector with the pandemic. At Light Project, one of our core values is collaboration. To come together with fellow industry peers in a time like this and build something of actual value that could change the course that many youths without a stable home find themselves on – it’s something we can look back on with much fulfilment and pride.
Light Project is a lighting solutions provider and supply chain partner to the property and construction industry. They work in close collaboration with asset owners, developers, builders, architects and consulting engineers globally.
