Uniting the Property Industry
to End Youth Homelessness
The Property Industry Foundation is the charity of the Australian property and construction industry, bringing together developers, architects, contractors, consultants and suppliers to address youth homelessness. Through industry collaboration, the Foundation raises funds, builds and renovates accommodation for at-risk young people, and supports programs that help them rebuild their lives with stability, education and pathways to employment. At its core is a clear goal: to ensure every young Australian has a safe place to call home.
Property Industry Foundation turns 30 this year. How has your mission evolved since it was first established in 1996?
Since our founding in 1996, the Foundation has stayed true to our original mission – bringing together the property and construction industry to have a tangible impact on homeless youth.
Over the past three decades, we have made significant progress on this initial goal – evolving, learning and adapting as an organisation. We are proud to have built or renovated over 24 homes in three states, providing 278 beds for at risk youth. Our fundraising events, such as the popular Charity Regatta and Tour de PIF have grown to become highlights on the industry calendar and our partnerships with government, corporates, and other social enterprises have deepened, allowing for meaningful collaboration.
Every day we hear heart-warming stories of lives transformed by The Property Industry Foundation projects – from young mums who can finally sleep through the night, knowing their children are safe, to young adults accepted into tertiary education, securing fulfilling jobs, and moving into private rentals.
Then there are the small moments of healing as young people recover from trauma and neglect in the safe spaces of our Haven Houses. One that stands out is Axel’s story. The teenager moved into one of our Lighthouse Foundation homes – plonking his bag down in a newly renovated room with the dismissive statement: “this will be okay”. The carers were amazed at how clean and tidy the room was being kept; not a wrinkle in his immaculately made bed. They soon discovered that Axel wasn’t actually sleeping in the bed – he had set up camp on the floor, using a small cushion and throw rug.
Coming from a life sleeping rough on the streets, couch surfing, cars and squats, Axel didn’t feel like he deserved a bed as nice as the one we had provided. He insisted he didn’t deserve it. Another kid could have it. Fancy beds and quiet, private spaces weren’t meant for people like him. Through working with carers and psychologists – Axel came to accept that he was worthy of a comfortable bed and a room to call his own. He now dreams of becoming a musician and having his own apartment. This is what happens when a community comes together to make a young person feel wanted and cared for.
However, despite stories like this, we acknowledge that our work is far from done. Rates of homelessness for people aged 19–24 are persistently higher than all other age groups and have seen the biggest increase of any age group between 2006 and 2021. We mark our 30-year anniversary with pride but also renewed purpose to continue to strive for a safe home to every young Australian.
If a business or individual wanted to get involved, how would they go about it?
There are so many ways to help us make a tangible difference to youth homelessness. Visit our website to discover opportunities to join us in a corporate, building or product partnership, volunteer on one of our boards for established and emerging leaders, get involved in networking events and fundraising, make a donation, or sign up for a working bee.
We have dedicated teams in Queensland, Victoria and NSW, and look forward to working with you.
Most importantly, the thousands of young people we’ve provided safe and stable homes over the past three decades have found pathways into education, training and employment and developed the skills and financial resilience to access independent housing.
With the support of the property and construction industry and our frontline partners, we are ready to face the challenges of the next 30 years, with ground-breaking projects underway that will offer vulnerable young people an opportunity to break the destructive cycle of homelessness that can mar generations.
Could you describe the Haven Project and how it works collaboratively
with industry partners?
The Haven Project is the Property Industry Foundation’s flagship program, delivering purpose-built accommodation for homeless or at-risk youth. Every home is made possible through dedicated fundraising and collaboration from our partners across the public and private sectors. In-kind donations and pro bono services from industry partners mean we can deliver affordable, timely projects which meet young people’s needs and allow our frontline partners to deliver life-changing support programs.
In 2026, we have three significant Haven Projects lined up that illustrate the importance of collaboration in the work we do. In NSW, eagerly anticipated construction begins on Haven House South Dowling in Surry Hills. Purpose-built youth accommodation in central Sydney is rare and this project is made possible with support from Homes NSW, the City of Sydney, The Salvation Army, the Goodman Foundation, and over 20 leading property and construction firms. In QLD, we are partnering with Lady Musgrave Trust and the QLD government to deliver 13 units for young mothers with children. And in Victoria, we are working with one of our longest-standing partners, Lighthouse Foundation, to refurbish a five-bedroom house for young parents with children.
Why was it important for the Property Industry Foundation to partner with Built Environment Channel?
Built Environment Channel are a valued partner of the Property Industry Foundation – we are grateful to have the opportunity to share our news and updates through Built Environment Channel’s in-kind community spotlight. This is so useful for The Property Industry Foundation to break through the flood of information our industry receives daily to inform them of our ongoing purpose, projects and events.
