New round of grants for homelessness and housing stress opens
Share
Lendlease has put the call out to not-for-profits providing solutions to housing stress and homelessness to apply for the inaugural round of grants through its shared value initiative, FutureSteps.
Through a combination of grants up to $200,000, Lendlease will build collaborative partnerships with successful not-for-profits to directly increase the supply of accommodation for individuals or families experiencing homelessness or housing stress.
Established in December 2018, FutureSteps has already housed six students aged between 16 and 21 with a history of homelessness and disadvantage through a partnership with Western Sydney-based not-for-profit Platform Youth Services. The young people housed also benefit from education and employment support services that provide them with additional skills needed to break the cycle of disadvantage.
Via the FutureSteps grant program, further long-term partnerships with not-for-profits will be forged with similar outcomes in mind – namely increases in safe and appropriate housing; pathways to education and employment; and participation in the community.
The Lendlease FutureSteps grant program will be open for applications between 3 – 28 February 2020. For an information pack head to www.futuresteps.com.au/grants
Kylie Rampa, Chief Executive Officer Property Australia and Chair of the FutureSteps Advisory Committee said: “FutureSteps is grounded in the belief that everyone should have access to safe and secure housing. We recognise there’s no single solution to the chronic issue of homelessness, which is why Lendlease is committed to playing its part by providing much needed financial support and the skills of our people to assist those who have found themselves homeless or experiencing housing stress.”
“Our founder, Dick Dusseldorp, was one of the first business leaders in Australia to recognise the need for the business community to place greater emphasis on environmental and social outcomes, rather than purely financial ones. FutureSteps is an example of Lendlease putting this into practice,” she said.
Platform Youth Services’ CEO, Stephanie Oatley said: “Homelessness amongst young people is hidden from view, couch surfing between friends and extended family. Young people are not homeless by choice. Often, home is no longer a safe place for them to be.”
“Young people are vulnerable due to their age and circumstances. Many have experienced traumatic experiences resulting in homelessness, with the trauma often compounded by their limited options and life skills,” she said. “If we can support young people to complete education through programs like FutureSteps and help them move into employment their chances of experiencing homelessness as adults is drastically reduced.
Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.
