Social enterprise HoMie held a VIP opening night on 29 October, introducing their new Melbourne store to Emporium Melbourne.
As one of the key supporters of HoMie’s vibrant new retail space in Melbourne’s CBD, the Property Industry Foundation contributed in-kind support to support the fit-out and refurbishment of a brand-new, 180 sqm store in CBD fashion hub, Emporium.
HoMie started as the Homelessness of Melbourne Facebook page, created by co-founders Marcus Crook, Nick Pearce and Dr Robert Gillies in 2015. It’s grown to become a well-known streetwear label and social enterprise, supporting young people impacted by homelessness or hardship by creating retail training opportunities and paid employment.
”We are proud to support HoMie and the incredible impact they have in our community. Providing BSE’s services pro bono is just one way we can give back and help create opportunities for young people experiencing hardship. With 100% of the store’s profits going back to supporting HoMie’s work, this project will continue to deliver lasting value in assisting youth.
Andrew SayerDirector – VIC and BSE’s project lead
More than 30 businesses, foundations and partners pitched in to complete the new store – including Foundation friends and fit-out partners Renascent, BSE, Northrop, Six Degrees Architects, Yeah Good Carpentry, and Vicinity Centres, which includes Emporium Melbourne in its property portfolio.
Through their partnership with the Property Industry Foundation, BSE provided pro bono mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and hydraulic engineering services design for the store.
A true team effort helped HoMie realise their vision for their second store. “When we were first looking at fitting out a store in the CBD, the cost came in at something like $700,000, and we’re a non-profit, we don’t have that kind of money whatsoever,” said HoMie CEO Steph Say. “So, we reached out to our network and asked for support to make it happen, and the number of businesses, individuals, funders and friends that have come on board to support this project and to bring our idea to life, has been nothing short of incredible.”
The Refurbishment
HoMie has a flagship store in Fitzroy but this new CBD location will reach many more young people and customers. “Having a CBD location means we can service many more suburbs and reach a broader geographical footprint of young people that can make their way into the city quite easily by public transport,” explains Steph.
The Emporium Melbourne store will be home to Retail Ready, HoMie’s newest social impact initiative. The 10-week paid employment program supports up to 48 young people annually with award-wage employment skills training and support in a safe, purpose-built environment. It’s just one way HoMie is getting young people back on their feet and into steady employment.
“At HoMie, we know we can’t combat youth homelessness alone. It takes an all-of-community approach – and this new store is no exception,” said Steph. “This project exemplifies what HoMie is all about: a community coming together to back young people and create meaningful pathways out of homelessness.”
The Opening
Supporting this project aligns with the Foundation’s mission to extend its impact beyond housing into employment, training, and long-term opportunities for vulnerable young people.
“This store isn’t just about fashion, it’s about futures,” said Property Industry Foundation CEO Kate Mills. “At the Property Industry Foundation, we bring the property and construction industry together to create tangible change for homeless youth. Supporting projects like HoMie’s store is another way we play our part in a whole-of-community response to youth homelessness.”
