Mapei has joined the Property Industry Foundation Partnership in a Platinum partnership in NSW, sharing our commitment to supporting vulnerable young people through secure housing and ongoing support. We talked to General Manager Marco DeSantis about Mapei’s decision to contribute to causes that matter.
Marco De Santis, General Manager, Mapei Australia
Why has Mapei committed to supporting homeless and at-risk youth?
We believe every young person deserves a safe place to call home and the opportunity to build a better future. As a company deeply rooted in the building industry, we recognise the power of our products, expertise, and partnerships to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Our involvement with the Foundation aligns with Mapei’s broader values of community support, social responsibility, and sustainable development. Youth homelessness is a complex issue, and through the Haven Project, we can contribute in a way that goes beyond financial assistance—by actively helping to create secure, welcoming spaces that offer young people stability and hope.
We believe supporting initiatives like this is not only the right thing to do, but it also reflects who we are as a company and our ongoing commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
How are you supporting the creation of 19 safe bedrooms at Haven House South Dowling in Sydney?
We’re contributing to this project by supplying high-performance building solutions that ensure residents’ long-lasting durability, comfort, and environmental safety. Mapei products are known for quality, low VOC emissions and sustainability. This will help to deliver a safe and healthy environment for future occupants of the South Dowling project.
In addition to product supply, Mapei will provide hands-on technical expertise from our team to ensure the right solutions are applied effectively throughout the build, supporting performance and project efficiency.
Supporting Haven House South Dowling is not just a contribution; it will reflect Mapei’s values by building better spaces, together.
How did this Platinum partnership come about?
The Platinum partnership between Mapei and the Property Industry Foundation came about through our shared commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. At Mapei, we believe in using our resources and expertise to contribute to causes that truly matter. Youth homelessness is one of them.
When we learned about the Foundation’s Haven Project and its mission to build homes and support vulnerable young people, we saw a natural alignment with our values. This partnership allows us to go beyond supplying quality building products—it’s about helping create safe, stable environments where young people can rebuild their lives.
Joining forces with the Foundation as a Platinum Partner was a conscious decision to support long-term, sustainable change. It’s an opportunity for us to collaborate with others in the industry and be part of a broader movement toward social responsibility and community betterment.
“This partnership allows us to go beyond supplying quality building products—it’s about helping create safe, stable environments where young people can rebuild their lives.”
Why is it important that the property and construction industry get involved with ending youth homelessness?
We believe the property and construction industry must actively contribute to ending youth homelessness because we possess skills, resources, and networks to drive real, lasting change.
As manufacturers, builders, designers, and suppliers, we can transform lives through funding and providing hands-on solutions. We can build safe homes, renovate spaces, and create environments where young people can feel secure and supported.
By working together and sharing our expertise, we can reduce the cost of housing projects, improve quality and sustainability, and deliver lasting outcomes.
For Mapei, being part of this movement through our partnership with the Property Industry Foundation is about giving back, leading with purpose and showing how our industry can be a force for good.
