News

Australian Property Group, Mirvac, is partnering with The Salvation Army to raise $500,000 for the Red Shield Appeal.

The ‘Transformation House’ will be auctioned off in November 2022 and is part of Mirvac’s ‘Smiths Lane’ development south-east of Melbourne. Spread over 240 hectares, the development will deliver over 2800 new homes to the area and create a thriving new community.

But while new communities are created, there are so many people who remain at risk, or are experiencing homelessness. As Australia’s leading homelessness service provider, The Salvation Army will be able to use these funds to implement essential upgrades to residential properties that house people at-risk of homelessness and those currently seeking permanent housing.

A safe, clean and comfortable space to stay, provides both the security and dignity people need to address complex issues and barriers to permanent housing solutions. The ongoing legacy of these essential upgrades, made possible by the Mirvac build project, will reach countless individuals, and play a valuable role in transforming lives.

Homelessness is a complex issue with no simple solution, but The Salvation Army is experienced in providing services and programs around the country that address immediate needs and ongoing challenges for those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Over the past two years there has been a significant increase in people seeking our services, with a 100 per cent surge in demand at multiple sites since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

People sleeping rough often face multiple disadvantage and barriers to accessing services, including health services. Throughout the pandemic, and as we all learn to live with COVID, rough sleepers have been at even greater risk without the means to self-isolate. Tremendous efforts were made throughout lockdowns to provide accommodation to keep rough sleepers safe, but our goal is long-term solutions to the homelessness crisis.

Thanks to Mirvac, the sale of this house – and subsequent donation to The Salvation Army’s major fundraising campaign, the Red Shield Appeal – will have a meaningful impact on the community we work with. And now, more than ever, compassionate partners like Mirvac can make all the difference, because the need has never been greater.

“The Salvation Army acknowledges Mirvac as a true leader, willing to leverage their own network of valuable partners, to build a modern and environmentally sustainable house with the core purpose of transforming lives. We thank Mirvac, along with their partners, for taking such an innovative approach to fundraising. Together, we can leave no one in need,” says Warren Elliot, Salvation Army spokesperson.

This project was only made possible through Mirvac garnering support from a huge range of their own partners and suppliers.

Click to learn more about Transformation House at the Mirvac website