The Real Estate Institute of Victoria charitable Foundation has donated $20,000 to Launch Housing to help 60 at-risk children without stable housing to access crucial support and supplies.
The donation follows a $10,000 donation to Launch Housing in 2019, which was able to benefit 27 people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Chair of the REIV Charitable Foundation Sophie Lyon said the real estate industry was proud to be able to give back to the community.
“As real estate agents, we know how important housing is and it is imperative that we do everything we can to provide support for children in families experiencing homelessness,” Ms Lyon said.
“Children in these families have a right to feel safe, supported and secure and the REIV Charitable Foundation is proud to support Launch Housing to reach out to as many vulnerable children as possible.
“Our industry wants to give back to our community; being able to help 60 at-risk children gain access to education, daily essentials and support is vital.
“The Covid-19 crisis is impacting us all and we all need to play our part to ensure that the most at risk in our community are protected during these demanding times.”
Launch Housing CEO, Bevan Warner said the donation would go towards supporting children in families experiencing homelessness.
“Twenty per cent of people asking for help from homelessness services in Australia are children under the age of 15 and we thank the REIV Charitable Foundation for helping us to support some of these children,” he said.
“As Victorians close their doors to battle Covid-19 and schools remain largely closed, children in families experiencing homelessness may also be at increased risk of family violence.
“This donation will help us to stay in touch with these families and to provide access to online schooling, support, and a telephone hotline for children to be able to reach us.”
