Mapei’s Impact on Building Industry Strengthens with Partnership to Fight Youth Homelessness

Global adhesive manufacturer, Mapei and Property Industry Foundation partner to create safe homes for young Australians

July 18, 2025

Mapei, a global leader in chemical solutions for the building industry, has entered a partnership with the Property Industry Foundation to help build awareness and raise funds for youth homelessness in Australia.

With 46,000 young Australians without a safe and secure place to sleep, and one in two being turned away every night, the partnership between Mapei and the Property Industry Foundation aims to support vulnerable young people through secure housing and ongoing support

Joining the Foundation as a Platinum Partner, Mapei’s main initiative is to support the construction of 19 bedrooms at Haven House South Dowling in Sydney by supplying high-performance building solutions to ensure the homes are durable, comfortable, and environmentally safe

In addition to product supply, Mapei will provide hands-on technical expertise to ensure the right solutions are applied effectively throughout the build, supporting performance and project efficiency.

General Manager at Mapei, Mr Marco DeSantis, expresses that supporting Haven House South Dowling is not just about supplying quality building products, but also about helping create adequate environments for young people to thrive. He further comments on what the partnership means to him and his employees.

“Our involvement with the Foundation aligns with Mapei’s broader values of community support, social responsibility, and sustainable development, we believe supporting initiatives like this is not only the right thing to do, but it also reflects who we are as a company and our ongoing commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.”  Mr DeSantis said. 

"Through the Haven Project and other fundraising initiatives, this partnership is about giving back, leading with purpose and showing how our industry can be a force for good."

As a company deeply rooted in the building industry, Mapei will also engage in fundraising events and event promotions, with all proceeds going directly to the Foundation’s flagship home building program – the Haven House – to help reach the goal of building 300 homes by the end of this year.

CEO of Property Industry Foundation, Kate Mills said: 

“Building permanent housing for young people has its challenges. Despite an increase in government funding, these can be hard projects to stack up financially and philanthropy is key to getting these projects across the line.

Mapei’s support of the Foundation makes it all possible, and we are delighted to welcome them to help change the landscape of youth homelessness, one bedroom at a time.”

As Australia’s population surges and the cost of living is becoming an everyday burden, the demand for housing across various sectors is reaching unprecedented levels. And while urban areas are particularly strained, the need for affordable housing extends far beyond the cities, encompassing regional and remote communities as well.

Mr De Santis explains:

“I believe the building industry must actively contribute to ending homelessness because we possess skills, resources, and networks to drive real, lasting change.

As manufacturers, builders, designers, and suppliers, we can transform lives by providing funding and hands-on solutions. We can build safe homes, renovate spaces, and create environments where anyone can feel secure and supported.”

The Property Industry Foundation has been building and refurbishing homes for homeless youth since 1996 and is supported by over 130 companies in the property and construction industries.

 


 

For more information about the Property Industry Foundation and partnership opportunities, please visithttps://pif.com.au/partnerships

For more information about Mapei’s industry, cultural and sports contributions in Australia, please visit www.mapei.com.au

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Paris Littler – Havas Red
E: [email protected]
P: 0431 044 917

 

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