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A CRISIS care facility for homeless young people has been built on the Gold Coast by a consortium of 90 construction businesses, headed by listed developer Villa World (ASX:VLW)
Known as Bill Hoyer House (pictured below), the seven-bedroom facility at Labrador will be run by the Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth (GCPHY). It would usually cost around $550,000 to build, but donations of labour, materials and money from Villa World's suppliers, contractors and consultants has reduced the sum significantly.
Villa World CEO and managing director Craig Treasure (pictured) says construction of the facility would not have been possible without participation of its business partners.
"We weren't shy in putting the call out to our suppliers and contractors and the response we've had shows they share our ethos when it comes to giving back to the community," says Treasure.
Villa World previously built the seven-bedroom Jessica Dunne Lodge for GCPHY. From April 2014 to March 2015, 152 young people had to be turned away from the house due to it being full, illustrating the need for more such facilities.
"This was a great opportunity for us to make a real difference in the community," says director Myles Davis. "Homelessness is a massive social issue facing our community so this is a cause we are proud to get behind. In many instances of youth homelessness it's not the fault of the children, they're victims of bad circumstances, so we appreciate what the GCPHY and Villa World are doing."
The top five local companies who have donated supplies and labour are Dynamic Bradview Roofing, Bradnams Windows and Doors, Australian Time and Trusses, Acoustics RB and Scorpio Screens and Blinds.
Almost a quarter of the 3,000 homeless people on the Gold Coast each night were young people, says GCPHY president Andrew Antonopoulos.
"Kids as young as 12 years old are living on the streets in danger and this seriously needs to change," he says. "They are not only in physical danger but also in danger of developing mental health issues, bad habits and being involved with the wrong crowds - this has huge negative impact on their education and consequently their future."
The house is expected to be finished by around the middle of September.
For more information, or to donate, visit billhoyerhouse.com.au.
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