Quest franchisees are putting purpose before profit, providing the Salvation Army with temporary accommodation for Aussies at risk of homelessness because of COVID-19.
The franchise chain of more than 150 serviced apartment hotels across Australia is offering apartments at rates that allow franchisees to break-even but not make a profit.
Quest has joined forces with the Salvation Army and Housing All Australians in this initiative.
This is not the first time the business, started 32 years ago by Paul Constantinou AM, has taken action. Quest previously partnered with HAA to provide short-term transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness.
David Mansfield, chief operation officer at Quest said, “Quest has been working with Housing All Australians since mid-2019, working to make a meaningful impact on the issue of homelessness in this country.
“Now more than ever, that partnership has become paramount, and it is a privilege to be able to help in whatever way we can. We are grateful for the hundreds of passionate Quest franchisees around the country prepared to support this incredibly important initiative with us.”
Putting purpose before profit
Robert Pradolin, founder of Housing All Australians (HAA), said the partnership is crucial as we head into winter.
“Due to this crisis, we know thousands of people have lost their jobs and are struggling to pay rent, we know domestic violence is on the rise and we know these situations can lead to homelessness. We want everyone in our community to have a clean, warm and safe place to sleep at night,” said Robert.
HAA is calling on other serviced apartment operators around the country to join Quest and increase the supply of temporary housing.
“Not only will this initiative provide a safe haven for Australians in need, it will also provide jobs for those working in the hotel sector,” said Robert.
“This partnership demonstrates, yet again, the level of care for our community that exists within the private sector. We are working with many other private sector organisations nationally that are donating their skills to help vulnerable Australians. Quest has to be commended for its leadership and for putting purpose above profit.”
Quest joins Salvos
The Salvation Army assists and supports individuals, couples and families right across Australia who may be at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness by providing a range of services including accommodation, case management services to resolve their homelessness experience.
Livia Carusi, national general manager, Homelessness at Salvation Army said, “By pulling together with caring corporates like Quest and offering a safe, supportive place for disadvantaged Australians, we can make a huge difference to the lives of many in these tough times.”
“We also know that the availability of short-term accommodation is part of the bigger picture of building much more housing, in particular social housing, for many within our community who are priced out of the private rental market and home ownership. Investing in housing infrastructure will undoubtedly help with the much-needed economic recovery within the country.”
Quest Apartment Hotels is part of the serviced residence network, Singapore-based The Ascott Limited (Ascott). Ascott is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore-listed company, CapitaLand Limited – one of Asia’s largest real estate companies.
The company portfolio spans more than 170 cities in more than 30 countries under 12 international brands – Ascott, Citadines, Somerset, Quest, The Crest Collection, lyf, HARRIS, FOX HARRIS, YELLO, POP!, Préférence and HARRIS Vertu.
