Property Industry Foundation drives youth project
The Property Industry Foundation (PIF) has commenced its housing project for disadvantaged youth, the refurbishment of PIF House in Redfern (pictured), a suburb of inner city Sydney.
The facility will provide housing and support for up to 50 youth over the next three years via the PIF Rebuild-a-Young-Life Program. The program includes an employment initiative that supports homeless young people by placing them in jobs in the property and construction industry. The initiative began in 2009 and has already helped 10 adolescents acquire roles in the industry.
The project is a joint collaboration between PIF and the City of Sydney; PIF committed $250,000 towards the refurbishment of a Council-owned building.
“The private sector as much as government can provide leadership, inspiration and help to young people, that’s why the City is pleased to support the Property Industry Foundation’s work to help meet those needs,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.
“It’s shameful to think that on any night there are 36,000 young Australians living rough on the streets of our rich nation. The solutions are relatively simple: somewhere safe to sleep, food, and a chance to complete their education and find positive goals in life.”
PIF’s Project Control Group, headed by PIF Board Member Brendan Crotty, will oversee the construction, to be completed pro bono by companies and groups including Suters Architects, Muller Partnership, Mainbrace, Jones Nicholson and Alec Horley.
“This initiative would not be possible without the generosity and support of the property industry who are donating their time and resources to give these young people a chance to turn their lives around,” said Crotty.
The project is scheduled to be completed in February 2012. Eight youth, selected upon completing the Salvation Army’s Oasis Get Skilled for Work program, and two house ‘parents’ appointed by the Salvation Army will reside in PIF House.
