Over the past few months, PEXA has been proud to contribute to a first-time grant in SA funded by PEXA community partner Homes for Homes – a social enterprise created by The Big Issue. Since June, Homes for Homes has granted a total of $300,000 to social and community housing projects in both SA and ACT in their mission to end homelessness in Australia.
Homes for Homes provides a way for the entire community to help solve the issue of homelessness by raising funds for social and affordable housing through donations from properties. Owners and renters register their property with Homes for Homes, promising to donate 0.1% of their sale price or rent to increase social and affordable housing in their area.
Thanks to the support from property donors and the community, Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn received a grant of $200,000 to create multi-functional transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, children from foster care breakdowns, children transitioning out of foster care and disability respite.
With the community and PEXA’s support, Common Equity Housing South Australia received a further $100,000, marking the first time Homes for Homes has granted funds to a charity in South Australia. Collaborating with their member organisation Copper Triangle, funds will be used to create five two-bedroom units with communal gardens and common areas for low-income elderly singles and couples to age in place.
Homes for Homes’ Chief Executive Officer, Steven Persson said the grant rounds represent another powerful step towards ending homelessness across Australia.
“Homes for Homes is a whole-of-community approach to one of the most critical social issues we face as a country. We’re excited to extend our funding into South Australia for the first time and support the creation of a new social and affordable housing project.
“We look forward to continuing our work of providing safe, secure housing for all.”
Homes for Homes has so far granted more than $2m in funding to 22 social and affordable housing projects across VIC, SA, NT, QLD, NSW, WA and the ACT. These funds will provide much-needed housing for over 300 people including survivors of domestic and family violence, people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and people with disabilities, to name a few.
Homelessness Week
Homelessness Week 2024 is held from 5-11 August and is an annual event to build community support and government commitment to end homelessness. The theme this year is ‘Homelessness Action Now’. Homelessness is one of the biggest social issues we face in Australia, and it will take a whole-of-community approach to solve.
If you’re keen to contribute to the cause, we ask you to consider supporting Homes for Homes. For homeowners or renters, you can make a promise to donate 0.1% of your home’s sale price or rent. Or for conveyancers or property lawyers using the PEXA Exchange, you can encourage your clients to register before settlement to donate when they sell their property. Head to the Homes for Homes website for more information.
