The biggest names in property and construction have joined forces to raise money for a domestic violence shelter on the Sunshine Coast.
The Property Industry Foundation’s 25th Anniversary and Pledge Night raised funds to fight youth homelessness and contribute to its latest project with The Salvation Army.
The project is to construct a safe and welcoming three-bedroom, two-bathroom home on the Sunshine Coast for domestic violence recovery.
About 37 per cent of children and young people aged 15-24 who seek help from homelessness services are recorded as experiencing domestic and family violence, with 24,142 police reports of family and domestic violence in Queensland during 2019/2020.
Property Industry Foundation Queensland chairman Greg Clarke said the fundraising would make a significant difference in helping to provide shelter for victims of family and domestic violence and in turn reduce the flow on impact to youth homelessness.
“Each project we realise brings us one step closer to solving homelessness in Australia and we’re thrilled to be building our latest transitional housing project with The Salvation Army as a result of these funds,” Mr Clarke said.
“The support we receive from the property and construction industry is invaluable in fighting against Australia’s persistent problem of youth homelessness.
“For every dollar raised…thanks to our industry partners and supporters, we are able to turn that into two dollars of building project goods and services.
“On top of what was raised…we’re thrilled to be able to provide The Salvation Army with $50,000, which was generously donated by the Gentlemen’s Ball Committee after its charity ball held earlier this year.”
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The Salvation Army Family Violence State Manager for the Northern Territory and Queensland, Dianne Gipey, said construction on this project would not have been possible without the support of the industry and wider community.
“The great work of the Gentlemen’s Ball Committee, the Property Industry Foundation and its partners will have a tangible impact on fighting homelessness in Queensland,” Ms Gipey said.
“We are only able to do this important work through the support of the Queensland community and it’s thanks to their generosity that we have been able to keep up the work we do.
“With family and domestic violence the leading cause of homelessness, this house represents hope and provides just that to the women and youth of Queensland without a safe place to sleep tonight.”
The Property Industry Foundation has built 85 bedrooms that have given shelter to 314 young people across Australia, some for one night, and others for one year depending on their age, ability and need.
The Property Industry Foundation is a unique initiative which brings the property and construction industry together to provide a tangible impact on youth homelessness.
For more information or to donate, please visit: http://www.pif.com.au
