HoMie Clothing
Pro bono building services delivery supporting a retail space with a strong social impact mission.
Client:
Property Industry Foundation
Location:
Shop 5, Emporium, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC
Status:
Completed
Sector:
Retail
Overview
Retail Fitout Supporting a Social Enterprise in Melbourne CBD
HoMie is a Melbourne-based streetwear label and social enterprise, with 100% of profits directed towards supporting young people affected by homelessness or hardship. Since 2015, HoMie has supported more than 3,900 young people.
HoMie Clothing’s second store at Emporium Melbourne occupies a 180 square metre space combining two former tenancies, one featuring timber finishes and the other perforated metal, which were reused throughout the new store.
This store also houses HoMie’s Retail Ready program, a paid, supported ten-week work experience initiative for young people aged 18–25 affected by homelessness or hardship, providing practical retail experience in a real working environment.
Our Role
Pro Bono Building Services Delivery for a Community-Focused Project
Through its partnership with the Property Industry Foundation, BSE provided pro bono mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and hydraulic engineering design services for the project.
Our role supported the delivery of a functional and compliant retail environment at Emporium Melbourne.
Outcomes
A Retail Space Supporting Ongoing Social Impact
The completed store provides a retail environment that supports both HoMie’s day-to-day operations and its Retail Ready program.
Operating as a live retail environment, the store enables participants to gain hands-on experience while contributing to HoMie’s broader social mission.
HoMie Clothing’s CEO, Steph Say, said about the new store at Emporium Melbourne:
“This is what happens when a community of over 30 partners, funders and tradies come together to combat youth homelessness: A brand-new, double-fronted, 180sqm, fully wheelchair accessible, CBD store built from recycled materials that will employ up to 48 young people affected by homelessness or hardship each year. It’s a mouthful, but we’re damn proud! This store has been years in the making with too many contributors to count. Thanks to everyone for getting around us and making this project a reality.”
Andrew Sayer, Director – VIC and BSE’s project lead, said:
“We are proud to support HoMie and the incredible impact they have in our community. Providing BSE’s services pro bono is just one way we can give back and help create opportunities for young people experiencing hardship. With 100% of the store’s profits going back to supporting HoMie’s work, this project will continue to deliver lasting value in assisting youth.”
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