Christmas charity considerations: REIWA helps homeless

Homeless people will benefit from a partnership between the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia and The Salvation Army.

It is part of REIWA’s Community REInvest program to help agents and property managers provide money and support to worthy causes throughout WA.

And, to kick-start the partnership, REIWA is sponsoring The Beacon, a 102 bed, multi-storey homeless men’s shelter in EAST PERTH to open in February 2014.

Chief executive Neville Pozzi said members wanted a role in helping community causes and were keen to contribute. “Most real estate agencies already have strong charity connections in their local communities, whether for medical research, volunteer bushfire brigades, local community groups or animal rescue centres,’’ he said.

“However, REIWA itself did not have a philanthropic cause on which to focus. It makes sense that agents working in the housing sector and dealing with people and accommodation issues every day would be keen to get involved with helping those less fortunate and for whom home ownership, or a secure rental, is out of reach.”

The Salvation Army has assured sponsors that all funds will go to support deserving clients around the state.

Pozzi said that REIWA members in Community REInvest would make a monthly contribution to the cause. “I am confident that REIWA agents will contribute at least $250,000 in the first year of this program and that it will grow each year after that,’’ he said.

“Our members are really looking forward to Community REInvest being able to give something back to the community, either financially or through volunteering.”

The Salvation Army’s Warren Palmer said the initiative would help provide much needed accommodation to vulnerable people in the community. “Despite WA being a very prosperous state, some people fall through the cracks and need our help. The assistance that REIWA agents can give us is greatly appreciated and the money will be spent in practical ways where it is most needed.

"The Salvation Army is proud to partner with REIWA and the real estate sector. We recognise that the home remains the centrepiece of human need and family structure in our community and we’re excited to have REIWA as our foundation partner of The Beacon.’’