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LJ Hooker Group CEO, Christine Mikhael, is sleeping rough this week to support Australians facing homelessness, but says the real estate sector must treat the issue as more than a one-night conversation.
At the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout on 19 June, Christine Mikhael will join hundreds of CEOs, business owners, and leaders sleeping outdoors to raise awareness and funds for the more than 120,000 Australians currently experiencing homelessness.
Through her participation, Mikhael said she hopes to convey the notion that housing professionals have a “unique role” to play in ensuring that social issues like homelessness are visible and remain on the broader agenda.
“Real estate networks play an important role because we’re already so deeply connected to the housing system. We understand affordability, access and supply because we work in that space every day,” she said.
She said that events such as the CEO Sleepout provide a meaningful opportunity for the sector to step up and make a difference.
“We don’t need to solve it alone, but we do have a responsibility to stay engaged; to listen and advocate where we can,” Mikhael said.
“I believe we have the power to use our collective insight to contribute towards more long-term, practical solutions,” she added.
Beyond the event, LJ Hooker Group’s ongoing charitable work reflects Mikhael’s belief that the property sector has a role in addressing social issues, highlighting that the sector didn’t need to choose between growth and giving back, as the two should go “hand in hand”.
“Property is a people-first business and being actively involved in the communities you serve should never be an afterthought. Growth and contribution can, and should, happen in the same space,” she said.
“Real estate is built on trust, and trust is built through consistency, integrity, and showing up when it counts no matter what the market conditions,” she said.
Ultimately, Mikhael said businesses that play an active role in the communities where they operate can forge connections that transcend the transaction process.
“We play a huge role in people’s lives; sometimes once, often over many years and possibly generations.”
“Contributions should align with your values because that’s what builds long-term relationships that mean more than short-term results,” Mikhael explained.
Even though Mikhael said that asking for donations has become “harder every year”, she said the challenges around fundraising make the effort all the more worthwhile.
“There is such a thing as donation fatigue – it makes people uncomfortable – and not everyone has the capacity to give,” she said.
“But this is about visibility. If my involvement encourages a colleague, a business owner or another property professional to stop and consider how they can help, then that’s meaningful,” she concluded.
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