HOW Group is proud to announce its partnership with the Lighthouse Foundation, a champion in battling youth homelessness.

BY HOW. GROUP

PUBLISHED June 21, 2023

A Mission-driven Partnership

This alliance, rooted in shared values and a commitment to creating positive societal change, was formally launched at an exciting networking event.

The partnership was sparked when we generously donated furniture solutions for the refurbishment of the Lighthouse Foundation's Youth Resource Hub. This initial collaboration has now blossomed into a purpose-driven alliance, wherein we are uniquely positioned as a furniture fit-out company to meet Lighthouse Foundation's ongoing need for high-quality furniture in their expanding network of homes.

Tackling a Prevailing Issue: Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness is a pressing concern, with approximately 30,000 people in Victoria alone currently experiencing homelessness. Alarmingly, 37% of this demographic is composed of young individuals aged between 0 and 24 years old.

The Lighthouse Foundation, for the past three decades, has tirelessly worked to alter the lives of over 1,100 young people by providing the care and support they need to overcome homelessness, heal, and thrive. The alliance further strengthens this mission, combining the provision of safe, comfortable living environments with the nurturing of a supportive community.

The Kick-off Event: An Evening of Collaboration and Giving

To mark the beginning of this exciting collaboration, HOW and the Lighthouse Foundation hosted a special networking event in our Melbourne showroom. The evening was a blend of engaging conversation, refreshments, and insightful speeches from Lighthouse Foundation's CEO, Dr Eamonn McCarthy.

The highlight of the night was an exclusive Silent Auction that featured an assortment of unique items. The auction, which garnered enthusiastic participation, raised over $5,000 to support the Lighthouse Foundation's programs. This funding, in conjunction our previous contributions to the Lighthouse homes, can provide a year's worth of therapeutic counselling to 10 young individuals—sessions that are critical in helping them navigate through their trauma and establish a firm foundation for a successful life.

The Impact and Future of the Alliance

This alliance is more than a partnership; it is a testament to the power of collaborative effort in making a tangible difference in society. The funds raised, combined with the furniture donations, will help the Lighthouse Foundation continue their invaluable work.

Furthermore, this partnership doesn't end here. We pledge to continue supporting the Lighthouse Foundation, expanding its reach, raising funds, and encouraging more partnership opportunities. Together, HOW and the Lighthouse Foundation aim to not just create homes, but also cultivate a sense of lifelong belonging for young people facing homelessness.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite you to join us in this mission. The difference made is not just in the lives of the young people we assist, but also in the communities we foster—making us all part of the solution. Stay tuned for more exciting updates about this partnership and the impactful work we will continue to do together.

A special thanks to our event partners, including Lighthouse Foundation, ProAV, Charcuterie To You, Bar Cart, and others. A heartfelt shoutout to Nathalie and Stephanie from Lighthouse who have been with us from the beginning and have provided unwavering support on this remarkable journey.