Fifteen years of partnership delivers a safe new home for young people in Melbourne’s east
The Property Industry Foundation was proud to join the Lighthouse Foundation on Tuesday 13 October to officially open Haven House Heathmont, a beautifully renovated home that will give young people experiencing homelessness a safe, stable place to heal, grow and thrive.
Around 50 guests gathered for the celebration, which falls in a milestone year for both organisations, with the Property Industry Foundation marking its 30th anniversary and Lighthouse its 35th. Following a welcome from Lighthouse CEO Brenda Boland, guests heard from Peter Spence of Kane Constructions, which led the building works, before National Board Member Monica Fontaine spoke on behalf of the Property Industry Foundation.
“Partnerships are at the heart of our mission to build much-needed homes for young people,” Monica Fontaine said.
She thanked Steve Lee of Growthpoint Properties Australia, who championed the renovation and guided it swiftly through the Property Industry Foundation’s committees and board, and Joe Perkins of Growthpoint, who project managed the works and flew in from Sydney for the opening. She also recognised Spiire, which delivered the home’s new backyard with UDL and Habitat Creations despite a tight timeframe and wet weather, and long-standing partners Milliken and Dulux, who once again donated flooring and paint.
Haven House Heathmont is the latest chapter in a partnership that began in 2010. Over 15 years, the Property Industry Foundation and Lighthouse have brought six homes to life, including in Haven House Bonbeach, Haven House Coburg, Haven House Clayton and Haven House South-East Melbourne.
“Today’s opening is a powerful reminder of what the property industry can achieve when we come together,” Monica Fontaine said, noting that every contribution matters, from pro bono expertise to every round of golf, bike ride, walk around Albert Park and raffle ticket.
The home was made possible with funding from the Danks Street Trust, furniture donated by GlobeWest and Forty Winks, more than 20 industry supporters, trades and suppliers, and the volunteers who rolled up their sleeves at working bees.
Monica Fontaine said the Foundation’s work was far from over. Having delivered 300 bedrooms over the past three decades, the Property Industry Foundation has set an ambitious goal to deliver a further 300 by 2030.
