In 1996 leaders of industry in NSW formed the Property
Industry Foundation to mobilise its resources to assist
charitable organisations providing services to youth at risk.
The Foundation has grown to become the preeminent
charity within the property industry.
Our vision is to unite the entire national property and
construction industry in an independent initiative to
support community programs aimed at youth
homelessness. |
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The Foundation raises in the vicinity of $1.5 million each
year. We distribute donations and provide in-kind building
services to approximately 20 children’s charities. |
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Our Patron is Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir
AC CVO Governor of New South Wales - a strong and
proactive supporter of the Foundation. |
Most of us live in reasonable comfort,
occasionally touched by sadness, so it may be
difficult to understand the rejection and trauma
that is routine in the lives of tens of thousands of
adolescents living on our streets.
 Most of these young people have been abused
and neglected over a long period of time.
They turn to alcohol, drugs and crime, are
marginalised by us all and eventually have
nowhere to go.
Every night across NSW over 11,000 children and young people are homeless; across Australia, over 36,000.
In many cases, these young people have fled from their dysfunctional and abusive environments only to find themselves in a far worse predicament on the streets.
It is not unusual to see 13 to 18 year old homeless boys and girls roaming the streets in search of food, clothing, and safety.
These disadvantaged children need rehabilitation, an education and an opportunity to participate in a positive and healthy life.
- 1 in 70 of the total population of young people
between the ages of 16-17 years accessed a  homeless service in 2004-05.
- 43% of the total homeless population in NSW
are young people 0-24 years of age; 23% are
young people aged between 12-18 years.
- 36% of the total homeless population of
Australia are aged between 12-24; 26% are
young people aged between 12-18 years.
- There is a misconception in today's society that
homeless people are middle aged or older; this
is not the reality.
(Counting the Homeless NSW 2001, Chamberlain and
MacKenzie, Swinburne University)
Since 1996 when the Property Industry Foundation was formed in NSW, it has proven to be very successful as a forum and a focal point for people in the property and construction industry to use their skills and resources to help solve a very important problem - youth homelessness.
A broad spectrum of our industry support their charity of choice and enjoy the comradeship and personal satisfaction that it brings.
Our valued Corporate Donors and industry supporters give annual donations, as well as significant contributions of time, expertise and materials towards our charity building projects.
Management and staff of our Corporate Donors are proactive in the Foundation's charity building projects, fundraising activities, volunteer programs and networking groups.
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