Building Our Own Table: Dionne Payn

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Hello friends,

I love a bit of serendipity in the morning, don’t you? I was on LinkedIn a while back when I got a message from Dionne Payn. Within a short time we’d arranged a call, and it was as if we’d known each other for ages. I knew then that I wanted to bring her venture to empower women and end homelessness to the fore, even more so because we don’t often get to hear what Black entrepreneurs are doing in Australia. Please meet Dionne…

Dionne, tell me briefly about your background prior to founding Women 4 Homes

I grew up in a Pentecostal Christian family where service and community were core values, but I also absorbed the belief that making money wasn’t “good.” For years, I struggled to reconcile a desire to serve with the need to support myself. My turning point came when I discovered property development, I realised I could combine profit with purpose. Over the past decade, I’ve raised capital for ethical housing developments, worked on projects including affordable townhouses, and helped over 40 investors achieve double-digit returns. I’m also the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller E.T.H.I.C.A.L Property Investing.(aff)

Give me the elevator pitch for Women 4 Homes

Women 4 Homes is on a mission to inspire 1 million women to invest $5,000 each to end homelessness by 2030. We create accessible opportunities for women to collectively invest in ethical housing projects - affordable, sustainable, and inclusive, delivering both financial returns and social impact.

And in more detail?

Traditional property development often excludes everyday people, especially women, due to high investment thresholds (often $50,000+). Women 4 Homes lowers the barrier to entry, using a blended finance model where philanthropic and government funding reduce risk. This enables women to invest smaller amounts while still participating in developments that provide safe, affordable housing and meaningful financial returns. The initiative is about empowerment, education, and shifting the narrative so women can use money as a tool for change.

What inequity were you trying to address, and why is this important?

I’m addressing systemic inequities in both housing and finance. Older women are the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness, often due to divorce, unpaid caregiving, or financial inequality. At the same time, many women feel locked out of investing because opportunities seem intimidating, expensive, or unaligned with their values. By making property investment accessible and inclusive, we give women agency, financial security, and the chance to create solutions rather than waiting for governments or developers to act.

How’s it going? What has the response been?

It’s early days, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Women are excited to discover they can make a difference without needing vast wealth or expertise. We’ve built a model that blends purpose with profit, and there’s strong enthusiasm for being part of a movement rather than just another fund. Every conversation confirms that this is an idea whose time has come.

What’s next for Women 4 Homes? Any goals you're hoping to achieve?

We’re focused on building momentum toward our first fund launch. The immediate goal is to gather 10,000 expressions of interest, which will unlock $50 million in investment commitments. We’re running webinars and community-building activities to reach more women and show them how $5,000 can grow their wealth while ending homelessness. The exciting part is knowing that this fund is the first step toward scaling a movement, one that could change the way housing is funded and delivered.

In relation to racism, what is your vision for the future?

My vision is one where equity is baked into every system, including housing and finance. Racism has denied many people - especially women of colour, access to both. A future without racism is one where everyone, regardless of background, can feel safe in their home, build wealth, and participate in shaping solutions. It’s about inclusive communities where diversity is seen as a strength, not a barrier.

Is there anything I haven't asked you that you'd like to add?

We don’t need to be experts or have all the answers to make change, we just need to care enough to start. Housing is a human right, and women deserve better. When we work together, we can create something that is really powerful.

Amen to that, Dionne. Folx, I’m inspired, and I hope you are, too. Please connect with Dionne Payn on LinkedIn, YouTube and on the Women 4 Homes website to learn more about her work, and lend your support if you can.

Thanks for reading,

Sharon

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© Sharon Hurley Hall, 2025. All Rights Reserved.

I am an anti-racism educator and activist, the author of “I’m Tired of Racism”, and co-host of The Introvert Sisters podcast. This newsletter is published on beehiiv (affiliate link).