Property and construction leaders will embark on a two-day trek through Queensland’s Scenic Rim to raise awareness for Australia’s growing youth homelessness crisis.

Walk Against Homelessness will take place on 22-23 October with 17 property industry executives ending the journey at the Property Council of Australia’s Property Congress to raise awareness of the need for accessible social housing investment.

In addition to raising awareness, the walk will contribute funds towards Haven House South Dowling, the Property Industry Foundation’s largest youth housing project to date, entirely funded by the property industry.

Property Industry Foundation CEO Kate Mills said the Foundation is thrilled at the response from property and construction industry leaders who are participating in the Walk Against Homelessness.

“Homelessness is a complex and wicked problem with no single cause and no single solution. It requires a multi-agency, government, and private industry response,” Mills said.

“More housing that is accessible is essential to ending homelessness and the property and construction industry has a key role to play here. These roles include building for homeless youth, but also supporting initiatives and policies that will have an impact.”

The Walk Against Homelessness provides industry leaders with an opportunity to actively contribute to solutions for the youth homelessness crisis and we’re thrilled to see so many of Australia’s major companies consolidate the industry’s commitment.

“Funds raised from this year’s walk will go towards building Haven House South Dowling in Sydney to provide a safe place to stay to support thousands of young Australians’ journey to permanent secure housing.”

The Foundation’s Haven House Project provides medium-term transitional accommodation for homeless youth around Australia, Haven House South Dowling will be its flagship project and will provide an additional 19 bedrooms that will be operated by The Salvation Army.

Over the project’s lifetime, Haven House South Dowling is expected to provide shelter to thousands of young Australians.

Leading into the Property Congress, a major industry conference, the walk highlights the Property Council’s efforts to advocate for more affordable housing options and address accommodation supply issues that contribute to homelessness.

“The walk gives a terrific chance for the industry to focus on what is a vitally important issue,” Property Council Chief Executive Ken Morrison said.

“It is encouraging to see senior leaders from throughout the property industry band together on such a crucial topic, culminating in our premier industry event, the Property Congress.”

With 17 property and construction leaders already on board, there are three spaces left for the Walk Against Homelessness.