Property industry challenged to raise $1m in fight against homelessness

Backed by REA Group, the campaign invites real estate agents and businesses to participate in one of numerous ways to help fight homelessness and housing insecurity.

Professionals can choose to spend the night couch surfing, sleeping in a car, fundraising for the cause, or making a donation.

The campaign will seek to raise $1 million, with funds going to organisations providing support for people facing homelessness due to domestic and family violence.

Last year, proceeds went to groups such as Women's Community Shelters, Friends with Dignity, Justice Connect, and Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia.

Women’s Community Shelters CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM, said the funding received from the inaugural campaign was already making a tangible difference for women and children escaping violence.

Daniel said plans were well underway to transform an underused site into supported temporary accommodation, transitional homes and a community hub for those affected.

“Over the next 12 months, this project is expected to help support more than 150 women, creating safer pathways out of crisis and helping more families rebuild with dignity, stability, and hope,” she said.

A Home for All Foundation Advisory Committee chair and LJ Hooker CEO, Christine Mikhael, said that after the success of the campaign in the first year, the organisation intended to make this year’s fundraising events even bigger.

“Every sign-up, donation and conversation moves us one step closer to ending homelessness,” Mikhael said.

Further, she said the campaign was an opportunity for professionals to unite on an issue closely connected to the real estate sector.

“The property industry is uniquely placed to help drive real change. We are in the business of finding people homes, and everyone deserves a safe and secure place to sleep at night.”