RP Infrastructure have joined the Property Industry Foundation as Silver Donors in Victoria and have offered pro bono project management to our charity partners, Lighthouse Foundation. We spoke to Stephanie Hope, Associate Director about RPI’s decision to support homeless youth.
Why did RP Infrastructure make the decision to become a donor with the Foundation?
RPI’s support of the Foundation and their mission to have a tangible impact on youth homelessness, builds on the important work we are undertaking with our housing clients and adds to our contribution to creating stronger communities, which ultimately benefits all. We support the Foundation’s vision to have a safe and secure home for every young Australian.
Youth homelessness is often the result of family violence and neglect, and it is linked to an increased likelihood of future adverse outcomes in education, employment, and health for those affected. A stable home not only provides security for young people in need, but it can also help to break the cycle of disadvantage. Businesses can play a crucial role in driving change in our communities by providing resources and practical advice to organisations like the Property Industry Foundation.
“By supporting the Foundation, we’re pleased to be supporting a great community initiative and our teams also value the opportunity to positively impact social change.”
Stephanie Hope, Associate Director, RPI
Tell us about your advisory and project management contributions for the Lighthouse Foundation?
We have been supporting the Property Industry Foundation and the Lighthouse Foundation since September 2022 by progressing the proposals for Haven House Boronia in Victoria, including coordinating consultants and site investigations, managing stakeholder communications, assisting with development options, assisting with legal agreements and general project management services. We know that Lighthouse’s core focus is providing services to the community and with RPI’s skills and expertise in managing housing developments we can assist in navigating the complex development and construction process.
How do pro bono services make a difference to charities like Lighthouse?
Pro bono contributions can make a significant difference to charities like Lighthouse, and our team have a wealth of valuable skills and experience, as well as a desire to support important projects, like Boronia House. We are proud to work with community-focussed organisations to ensure their limited resources are utilised effectively to support the efficient and successful completion of projects.
You attended the Boardroom Series lunch in Melbourne – how did that open your eyes to the issues facing homeless youth?
It was so valuable hearing directly from the Lighthouse Foundation, Launch Housing and Kids Under Cover about the immediate need in the community for youth housing. Youth homelessness is an often under-funded area of need but I feel as a community it is important that we give young people the best opportunity to thrive in life and having a safe place to live is a fundamental factor in improving outcomes for underprivileged youth.
How can the industry work together to make a difference to youth homelessness?
By partnering with non-profits like the Foundation, as well as government agencies, the property and construction industry can provide invaluable guidance, project management and construction expertise to support the development and delivery of high quality social and affordable housing. Collaborating on affordable housing projects tailored to the needs of homeless youth is pivotal to addressing the cycle of disadvantage. If we can break this cycle, the benefits are not only felt by those individuals in need, but also by the community as a whole.
