Donna Bennett gives speech at Property Industry Foundation event, ‘Steps for Homeless Youth.’ 

On a brisk, early morning at the beautiful Albert Park, Donna Bennett, Chief Executive Officer and Katie Hooper, Business Development and Partnerships Manager were pleased to attend the Property Industry Foundation Fun Run, 'Steps for Homeless Youth,' last week!  

This fantastic event for the property and construction industry was hosted by the Property Industry Foundation to raise funds and awareness for youth homelessness. It was great to see so many different organisations support the cause and register teams of runners and walkers to participate in the ‘Steps for Homeless Youth,’ Fun Run Marathon around Albert Park Lake. 

Katie was able to do a 5km lap around Albert Park Lake to represent the Hope Street team alongside hundreds of runners and walkers from different Property and construction companies including Mirvac, Egans, Plan Group, Revert, the Urban Developer, Ohh Media, Dalton Consulting Engineers and many more. 

Following the walk & run component, all participants were invited to attend a networking lunch with drinks, delicious canapes, food stations and prize presentations at The Park Melbourne function venue. Donna Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Hope Street, gave the keynote speech thanking the Property Industry Foundation for selecting Hope Street as a beneficiary.   

Donna was able to use her speech to highlight that only 0.4% of social and public housing is allocated to young people, despite the homeless population in Victoria being 25% people under 25. 

It is through the partnership of Property Industry Foundation that the First Response Youth Refuge Centre has received important funding for the new build. Property Industry Foundation are supporting the build and fixtures for 8 youth refuge bedrooms and ensuites.  Donna described to the 600 supporters the benefits and meaningfulness of their generosity to the young people who will seek safe refuge at the new centre.     

The First Response Youth Refuge in the City of Whittlesea will support over 100 young people including young families each year with accommodation in this nation leading response to youth homelessness.   

Hope Street is proud to partner with the Property Industry Foundation.  As a key partner in the upcoming First Response Youth Service Centre build project, Property Industry Foundation’s incredible advocacy through this Fun Run is an important part of community collaboration to raise money and awareness for youth homelessness.