The Property Industry Foundation is proud to announce its latest project – Haven House Woolloongabba  – a partnership with The Salvation Army Youth Services QLD. Demo has begun on the project to transform a long-held Brisbane property into a safe, supported home for vulnerable or homeless young women aged 18-22 years.

“The Salvation Army  have operated a youth housing model here in East Brisbane for over 30 years and unfortunately over this time the physical spaces have become tired and rundown and no longer fit for purpose for the type of accommodation we wish to provide young people,” says Rob Ellis, State Manager Youth Services Queensland. “The scope of works and the vision of what we will create through our partnership with the Foundation is so exciting for our youth housing model for the future and certainly beyond the capacity of what we could have achieved without their expertise, connections and shared commitment to youth housing.”

A Journey to Independence

Haven House Woolloongabba will host a specialised Education Pathway Housing Program, designed to break the cycle of youth homelessness. “The program provides a safe, supportive accommodation option whilst facilitating active engagement and participation in education and training until successful completion,” Rob explains. “All participants are provided with living skills to successfully transition into and maintain independent housing within the community.”

The Haven House Woolloongabba project is designed not only to meet a young person’s immediate needs, but also their long-term future – giving at-risk youth a foundation to rebuild their lives with stability, dignity and opportunity. “This model is important because housing alone is not enough,” says Construction Manager Greg Voukelatos who is steering the project for Building Partner Joii.

“Young people experiencing homelessness often face complex challenges, from family breakdown to mental health concerns, financial instability, or lack of support networks. By pairing safe accommodation with a dedicated Youth Hub offering wraparound support, the project addresses both immediate needs and long-term pathways. It empowers young people to stabilise, rebuild confidence, gain life skills, and progress toward independence. This combination of housing and holistic support is what truly breaks the cycle of homelessness.”

Designed for Connection

Haven House Woolloongabba was co-designed by young people with a lived experience of homelessness and will feature 6 x 1-bedroom apartments, alongside new kitchens and bathrooms, painting, new flooring and a communal Youth Hub. Residents will have access to therapeutic case management, education, training and employment pathways, living skills development, community integration, and aftercare transition.

“The architecture and interiors of the properties are thoughtfully designed and organised to ensure trauma and psychologically informed spaces that foster health and wellbeing,” says Rob. “These design features include easy access to natural light and air quality, an abundance of plant life and an edible garden, opportunities for onsite exercise and physical activity, and communal spaces designed to enhance social connectedness among residents and Youth Services support staff such as a BBQ area.”

The build is made possible through industry collaboration and many of the Foundation’s valued partners are on board for the overhaul. “We see this project as a model for what can be achieved when industry, community organisations, and supporters work together with a shared purpose,” says Greg. “Projects like this are only possible through genuine collaboration – pooling expertise, resources, and passion. When builders, consultants, suppliers, and partners work collectively, we can deliver outcomes far greater than any one organisation could achieve alone. Joii’s role is to bring construction knowledge, coordination, and a commitment to social impact, but it is the combined effort of the entire industry and community that turns a vision like this into a reality.”

The build is made possible through industry collaboration and many of the Foundation’s valued partners are on board for the overhaul. “We see this project as a model for what can be achieved when industry, community organisations, and supporters work together with a shared purpose,” says Greg. “Projects like this are only possible through genuine collaboration – pooling expertise, resources, and passion. When builders, consultants, suppliers, and partners work collectively, we can deliver outcomes far greater than any one organisation could achieve alone. Joii’s role is to bring construction knowledge, coordination, and a commitment to social impact, but it is the combined effort of the entire industry and community that turns a vision like this into a reality.”