Perth has no solution for the most vulnerable, chronically homeless people in our community - people who have been homeless for a long time, with substantial barriers to housing stability such as a disability, mental illness or substance misuse disorder.

 

International evidence shows this group of people are best helped through the “Housing First” model, where they are offered the safety and security of a permanent home as a foundation from which to then focus on the challenges in their lives.

 

The Common Ground Model is permanent supportive housing for the most vulnerable, chronically homeless people.  It is apartment-style with a range of on-site support services, providing a safe place to live, and the support to help people achieve stability in their lives.  Residents are a social mix of homeless and low-income tenants.

 

Every major Australian city has a Common Ground apart from Perth and Darwin.  It is a proven model with an active community of practice amongst the facility managers.  Common Ground facilities have demonstrated significant success in tenancy retention, improved health outcomes, and reduced interaction with Police, Courts and Prison.

 

On 4 December 2019, the WA State Government announced a record funding boost to help homeless, including 2 Common Ground facilities “to help break the cycle of homelessness and give rough-sleeping Western Australians a place to call home”.

 

Contact: Ken Mullin on ken.mullin@iinet.net.au.