Property Industry builds for Sydney youth

Up to 50 youth will be cared for over the next three years at the Redfern centre as they undergo PIF’s Rebuild-a-Young-Life (RYL) Program, an employment initiative that places homeless young people into jobs within the property and construction industry.

10 adolescents have been successfully placed in roles since the RYL Program was initiated in 2009.

The project is a joint collaboration between PIF and the City of Sydney with PIF committing $250,000 towards the refurbishment of a Council-owned building.

Eight youth and two house ‘parents’ appointed by the Salvation Army will reside in PIF House, with the occupants selected upon completing the Get Skilled for Work program by Oasis, the youth outreach arm of the Salvation Army.

“It’s shameful to think that on any night there are 36,000 young Australians living rough on the streets of our rich nation,” said Sydney mayor Clover Moore.

“The solutions are relatively simple: somewhere safe to sleep, food, and a chance to complete their education and find positive goals in life," she said.

“The private sector as much as government can provide leadership, inspiration and help to young people – that’s why the City is pleased to support the Property Industry Foundation’s work to help meet those needs," the Lord Mayor said.

PIF’s Project Control Group, headed by Brendan Crotty, a PIF Board Member, will oversee the construction by companies and groups who have donated their time including Suters Architects, Muller Partnership, Mainbrace, Jones Nicholson and Alec Horley.

 “This initiative would not be possible without the generosity and support of the property industry who are donating their time and resources to give these young people a chance to turn their lives around,” he said.

The project is earmarked for completion in February 2012.

For more information visit www.pif.com.au

Source: http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/article/Property-Industry-builds-for-Sydney-youth/532640.aspx