Nation builders tackle homelessness
Each night, 44,000 young Australians are homeless – a statistic Bob Johnston, national chairman of the Property Industry Foundation and The GPT Group’s chief executive officer, is determined to change.
We often hear the terms “street kids” or “runaways”, but for most young people experiencing homelessness, the reality is vastly different.
Most young people find themselves homeless not by choice, but as a result of family breakdown, mental illness, domestic violence or parental drug and alcohol abuse.
The statistics around homelessness are “frightening” Johnston (pictured) says, with 43 per cent of those who are homeless under the age of 25.
Research has found that people who first experience homelessness at a young age are more likely to experience persistent homelessness throughout their lives.
Since it was established in 1996, the Property Industry Foundation (PIF) has raised more than $30 million to build safe houses, and to support charities delivering programs for at-risk youth.
PIF’s focus in 2017 is on “driving housing outcomes for young underprivileged kids who find themselves sleeping on someone’s couch or the streets,” Johnston explains.
PIF’s target is 125 extra bedrooms over the next five years, “and we are on track to deliver this”, he says. “We may be even a little ahead of our target.”
In the Sydney suburb of Dundas, Lendlease is project managing a 24-bedroom facility, while Frasers is overseeing a 35-bedroom project in Parramatta.
PIF is also working on two new houses in Queensland and Melbourne, with two six-bedroom homes in Melbourne already delivered.
PIF doesn’t provide what Johnston calls the “soft services”. Instead, PIF partners with not-for-profits, such as the Salvation Army and Wesley Mission to manage the homes, and “leverages the industry to raise funds and use our skills”.
Each year, PIF hosts major fundraising events such as sailing, cycling, gala dinners and runs the National Hard Hat Campaign.
The Property Council continues to support PIF’s fundraising, and in 2017 will make donations to PIF in lieu of speaker gifts, raise funds through raffles, host tables at events and promote PIF initiatives to members.
Johnston is clearly proud that the property industry is “stepping up to the plate and filling a gap” and says the value of participation cannot be understated.
“When people get involved in our projects, they are overwhelmed to see how their contribution can make such a difference.
“I’ve seen many people with tears in their eyes, watching the kids move in, and knowing that they could help.”
PIF’s next big event is the annual charity Yachting Regatta on Sydney Harbour. Attracting around 100 boats and 1,700 industry representatives each year, it’s one of the largest regattas in the Southern hemisphere. Learn more about how you can be involved.