REIWA's inaugural Hope and Home Appeal has come to a close, with REIWA members and their local communities rallying to support women and children escaping family and domestic violence.
This year, 15 member agencies, along with REIWA House, took part in the Appeal and opened their doors as collection points throughout March.
Together, they collected hundreds of essential donations for The Salvation Army's Graceville Women's Refuge, including personal care items and everyday essentials to support women and children who often leave violent situations with little to no personal belongings.
REIWA CEO Blaine Slater thanked participating agencies and the wider community for their support.
"The response to our first Hope and Home Appeal has been incredibly encouraging," he said.
"Women and children leaving family and domestic violence often arrive at refuge services with very little. These donations will help provide practical support, comfort and dignity at a time of enormous upheaval.
"Our members work in housing every day, so they understand how important safe, stable accommodation is. This appeal gave them a practical way to support women and children at a critical point in their lives.
"I want to thank every agency that took part, and every person who donated. Their generosity will make a real difference."
The Salvation Army Program Manager Family and Domestic Violence Jessica Russ said community support played an important role in helping Graceville respond to women and children in crisis.
"Every day we meet women and children who have made the courageous decision to leave violence, often arriving with little more than the clothes they are wearing," she said.
"These donations help us meet immediate needs with care and compassion. They also help restore dignity and remind victim survivors they are not alone."
Graceville Women's Refuge provides crisis accommodation and transitional housing for women and children experiencing and escaping family and domestic violence.
The Hope and Home Appeal reflects REIWA's broader commitment to supporting vulnerable Western Australians through Community REInvest. REIWA has also recently highlighted the role real estate professionals can play in helping women and children move from crisis accommodation into stable housing, and in providing practical support to survivors.
