New partnership builds futures for vulnerable young mums

A ground-breaking new housing project will provide up to 4,000 nights of safe accommodation in Logan for young women and children experiencing homelessness as a result of domestic and family violence thanks to a landmark partnership between The Lady Musgrave Trust and the Property Industry Foundation. 

Launched at the Property Industry Foundation’s 10-year anniversary event last night, The Lady Musgrave Trust’s Logan Housing Hub has been designed by and for young women, providing four fully self-contained safe homes for young families, as well as onsite support, social spaces and proximity to schools, parks and transport. 

The Lady Musgrave Trust CEO Victoria Parker said a prime block of land in Logan had been donated to kick start the project, which had already generated more than $ 1.3 million in donated value. 

“The support of the Property Industry Foundation has been essential to getting the ball rolling on this project providing an avenue for other industry partners to commit their time and expertise to get us to ‘shovel ready’ status,” said Parker. 

“This coalition of powerful partners will mean young Queensland women who need it most will have a safe place to live and receive the support they need to get ahead.” 

“More support is still essential with fundraising underway to cover the capital costs of construction, so we welcome contact from anyone interested in getting involved.” 

The Property Industry Foundation’s Queensland State Manager Antoinette Rusby-Perera said the Foundation was hoping to raise $200,000 at its annual pledge night to support this project and the opportunity to meet the urgent need for more social and affordable housing solutions and support young women experiencing homelessness. 

“Upon completion, the purpose-built development will consist of four self-contained units that will deliver approximately 4,000 nights of safety annually, contributing to the protection and well-being of young Australians facing hardship,” said Rusby-Perera. 

“There is a critical need for social and affordable housing solutions in our State, and we’re grateful to be able to play a small role in alleviating this pressure with the industry’s support.” 

Parker highlighted that this project was an opportunity for young mums to make these units their homes for about 12 months, and to gain stability, develop life skills and build great futures for themselves and their children. 

“This project will meet a critical need for social and affordable housing for this cohort of women in Logan who desperately need housing support,” she added. 

“For many young mums, the work really starts when they have secure roof over their head, it provides an essential base for them to regain control and confidence and for many, might be the first safe home for them and their children.” 

“These young women are vulnerable, so a secure space is essential. But they’re also motivated, and with support, they can build amazing futures.” 

Rusby-Perera reiterated the importance of these initiatives within the context of the escalating cost of living and housing crisis. 

“Projects like these not only construct physical spaces but also provide essential lifelines that empower disadvantaged youth and break the cycle of hardship,” Rusby-Perera added. 

Other industry groups and professionals donating their time and resources towards the new project include a pro bono project team that has been coordinated by the Property Industry Foundation comprising Blight Rayner Architects, MACE, Kane Constructions, Saunders Havill and more. A leading builder who has committed to build the project at cost, legal services group HopgoodGanim which has provided pro bono support to The Lady Musgrave Trust and Logan-based community group, YFS who will provide individualised case management support to the tenants. 

The Property Industry Foundation has raised and distributed more than $2 million to youth homelessness since its inception in Queensland with many organisations contributing to the Property Industry Foundation’s Queensland projects over the years, including ADG Engineers, Blight Rayner, Holmes Group, Kane Constructions, Knisco, Mace Australia, McNab, Northrop Consulting Engineers, Saunders Havill Group, WT Partnership, and Xburo. 

“We’re so grateful to all our industry donors and contributors for their dedicated time, efforts, and funds that have helped us work towards combatting youth homelessness,” said Rusby-Perera. 

“There’s still a lot to be done, so we look forward to seeing what the next ten years bring.” 

Menchie Khairuddin

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Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.

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