‘A wake-up call we can’t ignore’: The group turning awareness into action on homelessness

Helping Australians buy and rent homes is everyday work for the team at The Agency, but executive director Andrew Jensen says it also makes the reality of how much harder it’s becoming impossible to ignore.

Like many Australians, learning just how much of the crisis was hidden was a wake-up call for Mr Jensen.

“There is so much more to this crisis than what we see,” Mr Jensen said.

Most people are out of sight – sleeping in cars, on couches, or in short-term rooms with no certainty about what comes next – and around one in ten Australians were at risk.

That realisation was a key factor in The Agency joining the A Home for All Foundation, a national initiative uniting the property industry to use its scale, influence and relationships to drive awareness, raise funds and back long-term change.

“We have over 800 real estate professionals who see, first-hand, the impact secure housing has,” Mr Jensen said.

“It’s time we used our voices, and our actions, to give homelessness the attention it deserves.”

Mr Jensen has spent close to 18 years in the industry and said he had never seen it this tough. 

“Pressures are growing nationwide,” he said.  

“Affordability is stretched, and population growth is adding massive strain. If we don’t act, it will get worse before it gets better. We’re privileged to be in a position to help and so we should.”

His message to peers is straightforward: “If you’re in housing, you’re part of the solution. We’re proud to join others in our industry and use our platform to push for change.”

The foundation’s first campaign, A Night Without Home, runs throughout October and invites individuals and teams across the sector to give up the comforts of home for one night, raising funds for frontline charities via the foundation’s industry-led advisory committee.

All money raised for A Home For All Foundation this financial year will go to charities working to support those experiencing homelessness due to family and domestic violence.

For The Agency, that means participating in a way that highlights the hidden face of homelessness.

“Many of our team members, myself included, will be sleeping in our cars for a night to raise awareness,” Mr Jensen said.

“For too many Australians, that’s not a choice, it’s their only option.”

Mr Jensen also sees a vital role for consistent, day-to-day advocacy.

“The more noise we make, the better,” he said.  

“We’ll sell around 8,000 homes this year, that’s roughly 16,000 people we interact with. There’s an opportunity for us to spread the message every day. The industry as a whole needs to participate.”

Across the country, The Agency gives back in ways that matter locally; sponsoring junior sport, supporting schools, backing community groups and causes – and as a business, it supports a range of charities that hold personal meaning for the team.

“This quarter, we’ve made charity support a focus as part of living our value: Do what’s right. Every time,” Mr Jensen said.

“It’s a reminder that doing what’s right isn’t just something we say, it’s something we do.”

“We’re seeing more people move to regional towns. Affordability pressures are pushing those decisions – another reason to keep the conversation going so we understand where help is needed.”

Mr Jensen doesn’t pretend the fix is simple, but he’s clear on the first move: turn awareness into action.

“A Night Without Home is one night; the pledge is year-round – we must find alternatives, so fewer Australians are hidden in cars or short-term rooms, and more have a secure place to call home,” he said.

For Mr Jensen, it’s personal too.

“I’ve got three young kids, and I think about the future they’ll inherit,” he said.  

“I want them to grow up in a country that refuses to look away and backs real solutions. That’s the goal we’re showing up for.”

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