How one cold night inspired action to end homelessness

Natalie Hortz has always known about Australia’s homelessness crisis, but it wasn’t until she spent a winter’s night outside on cold concrete that the reality truly sank in. 

During that cold night outside, she also spoke to people how had experienced homelessness and those who were working in homelessness services.  

“It was eye opening,” said Ms Hortz, who is head of organisational development at Ray White. 

“Behind every statistic, there is actually a real person, who is often in desperate need and deserves dignity, hope and a safe place to call home.” 

The state of homelessness in Australia is shocking, with about 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to figures from the 2021 Census. 

But just 6% of those experiencing homelessness were sleeping rough, with the vast majority of people in less visible situations.  

Most people experiencing homelessness were couch surfing, sleeping in a car, or in other types of temporary shelter. 

It comes as one in 10 Australians were at risk of homelessness, reflecting the pressures facing people were facing across the country.  

“When you work in the property industry, you probably can’t get much closer to the issue really,” she said.

“We have such unique insights into what’s actually happening with Australia’s housing crisis.” 

It’s why she felt compelled to join the committee for A Home for All foundation, a new national initiative uniting the property industry to help end homelessness. 

For Ms Hortz, the chance to work with others across the industry was also a powerful motivator. 

“We’re in an industry where competition is sort of bread and butter,” she said.  

“But for us to come together for a common good, it just feels right.  

“It feels like it’s our responsibility to at least try and have an impact in this space. 

“At the end of the day, it’s not about brands, it’s about all of us working together to have a greater impact.” 

The foundation, which launched this month, will direct funds and resources to frontline homelessness organisations while also raising public awareness of the crisis. 

It has been backed by leading figures across real estate, home building, community housing and other sectors, drawing on expertise right across the spectrum.  

Its first major campaign, A Night Without Home, will take place in October.  

The event invites Australians to spend one night without the comfort of home in October, whether it means couch surfing, sleeping in a car, or sleeping overnight at the office. 

People from all walks of life can sign up as individuals or teams and fundraise to support the foundation’s work. 

Ms Hortz said spending even just one night without the comfort of your home really made a difference for her.  

“It makes you very grateful for the situation that you’re in,” she said.  

“If you’re in a position to give back, it just feels natural to do so. There’s a lot of people that aren’t in that position, and so for me personally, that’s why I’m motivated to do this.” 

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