‘Housing is a human right’: The industry voice joining the push to end homelessness

For Scott Rollason, housing is not a commodity, it’s a basic human right.

Mr Rollason, the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) chief executive, said when people experienced homelessness, they were often stripped of multiple human rights from education and privacy to security and health.

“It’s really about treating housing as a human right, not a commodity,” Mr Rollason said.

“People experiencing homelessness are facing violations of several rights, and that’s something we can’t ignore.”

Mr Rollason is among the property leaders taking part in A Night Without Home, a national fundraising challenge held throughout October to support the new A Home for All Foundation.

The foundation has brought together the entire property industry to help end homelessness in Australia by driving awareness, raising funds, and supporting long-term housing solutions.

All of the funds raised this financial year will go to charities working to support those experiencing homelessness due to family and domestic violence.

In October, Mr Rollason will spend a night sleeping in his car in Canberra to raise money and awareness for the cause.

He said the REIA team quickly rallied behind the initiative, with several staff members also signing up to take part.

“We kicked off fundraising as soon as the foundation launched,” he said.

“We have others from REIA also taking part, and the whole national team has been getting behind it. It’s great to see that energy and commitment.”

Mr Rollason has been one of the top individual fundraisers for A Home for All Foundation this year, having raised more than $6,600 at the time of publication.

While homelessness is often associated with people sleeping rough, that group makes up just 6% of the more than 122,000 Australians who have no safe place to call home on any given night.

Most homelessness is hidden, with the majority of people experiencing homelessness often couch surfing, living in cars, or staying in temporary accommodation without security.

Mr Rollason said the real estate profession had an important role to play.

“As real estate professionals, we’re stewards of trillions of dollars’ worth of property assets across Australia,” he said.

“Our property managers are seeing lines out the door for rentals, and we see firsthand the challenges people face in finding a roof over their head.

“Being able to give back through initiatives like this is incredibly important.”

He added that the industry was already showing up for the community in meaningful ways.

“Coming into this role, I’ve been blown away by the contributions across the industry, not just to tackle homelessness, but to support the broader community when it’s needed,” he said.

Mr Rollason is also a member of the A Home for All Foundation’s advisory committee and said he was humbled to work alongside others equally passionate about housing and social good.

For the REIA chief executive, the campaign is more than a symbolic gesture – it’s about ensuring Australia’s property leaders take collective responsibility for helping those left behind.

“It’s really powerful to see the industry come together around this issue,” he said.

“At the end of the day, housing is central to everything, it’s the foundation of stability, health and opportunity.

“We all have a role to play in making sure every Australian has a safe place to call home.”

The post ‘Housing is a human right’: The industry voice joining the push to end homelessness appeared first on realestate.com.au.