R
ay White’s Natalie Hortz argues that the property sector can help end homelessness if it unites. The real‑estate network has joined the national A Home for All Foundation, a coalition that leverages industry reach, relationships and resources to tackle housing insecurity. Hortz, Ray White’s head of organisational development, oversees wellbeing and charitable partnerships and feels a personal duty to act. She notes that while the industry has a bad reputation, many professionals are doing good work, and when the opportunity arose, it was a no‑brainer.

    Australia has over 122,000 people without a safe place to sleep each night, and about one in ten live on the brink of losing their home to a rent hike or medical bill. Hortz says the property industry is uniquely positioned to see the problem up close and to influence change. Her nine‑year tenure at Ray White was shaped by attending the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, an eye‑opening experience that highlighted how quickly circumstances can unravel for the homeless.

    A recent Gold Coast auction drew 3,000 attendees and raised more than $50,000 for homelessness charities, with $43,000 earmarked for A Home for All. Hortz stresses that only 6 % of homeless people are visible on the streets, so raising awareness is the first step, but sustained momentum is essential. She aims to embed homelessness as an evergreen, purpose‑driven conversation beyond October.

    She argues that individual actions are limited, but collective industry effort can amplify impact. Ray White’s national scale is coupled with local, family‑driven values, and its offices across Australasia give it firsthand insight into community pressures. The company supports mental‑health research through the Black Dog Institute (donating 2.5–5 % of gross sales), offers “Safe Spaces” for children via You Can Sit With Me, and runs disaster‑response initiatives like Beyond the Bricks. Leaders have also participated in the Vinnies Sleepout for two consecutive years.

    With rising homelessness rates, crisis‑level housing affordability, and an overall shortage, Hortz urges the industry to empower and educate local communities. Behind every statistic is a person deserving dignity, hope, and a home. She invites peers to join the effort, emphasizing that the industry’s reach is a duty and that giving back is essential.