Common Ground Sydney

Australian Common Ground Model

The Australian Common Ground Alliance

1. Quality permanent & affordable housing

2. A diverse and sustainable social mix

3. Proactive onsite support

4. A safe and secure environment

5. Separation of tenancy management and support services

What is Housing First?Tenancy vs case management

MAH

HOUSING

MANAGEMENT:Rent CollectionTenancy ManagementRepairs

MA

Case ManagementSkill Development

Community IntegrationProfessional, Social &

Recreational Services

Common Ground Sydney

• Mixed tenure • High density • High value neighbourhood • Complex clients

Permanent Housing

This is a picture of one of our studio units, they are roughly around 32 m2 with a separate bathroom and large built ins.

Permanent High Quality Affordable

Social Mix

Social HousingDirect allocations from Pathways

42

52

10

Affordable HousingFor people who are working

and earning low incomes

Social Housing:Formerly HomelessFor people exiting long-term homelessness

Eligibility

1. Residing in the Inner City area2. Over the age of 18 years3. Experiencing primary homelessness (for a period greater than 6

(six) months continuously)4. Eligible for priority approved social housing under Housing

Pathways5. Vulnerable or at risk (i.e. have a significant health issue, disability,

mental illness, substance misuse disorder, etc) 6. Suited to high density living with available onsite support7. Understand that children under the age of 18 years are not

permitted to live in the building8. Understand that the building is pet-friendly, and be accepting of

animals residing in the building

Tenant Snapshot

Below is a snapshot of the supported tenants at Common Ground (2017/18)

31 (58%) age between 41-60

50:50 male to female ratio

1% transgender

37 (70%) have a diagnosed disability (physical and/or mental health condition)

7 tenants identify as CALD

12 tenants identify as ATSI

Average length of homelessness is 8 years

On-site support Professional & Social and Welfare Services

Private and

Voluntary Services

Existing Govt

funded services

Groups delivered

by CSS staff

Professional

• Computer Training• Centrelink• CMH Case Management• Mental Health Nurse• Education and Training• Mates on the Move

Program

Groups

• Coffee with the Chaplain• Gardening group• Cooking Classes• Art Drop-in• Movie Afternoon• RSCPA clinics• Alcoholics Anonymous • SMART Recovery• Victoria Park Gym• Oz Harvest Booler Food

Service

Community Development and Social Inclusion

Rooftop Garden

‘Its more than just a building..the people bring the colour, make it home’ ( tenant feedback to local artist)

Camperdown Community Day

Celebrating our neighbourhood

Community Feedback

“Good to help bridge the divisions between local residents” – Community Member

“Great day out better than being indoors all the time” –Community member

“It is a good time to talk with people you see everyday but no chance to know them” – Community Member

Client Good News Story

• Jody has lived at Common Ground for five years

• He was homeless and rough sleeping for 10 years in Central Station and Pyrmont

• His childhood saw him move through several different homes through state care until

the age of 17

• He has four children, and through the support of Common Ground Case Managers,

he has managed to reconnect with his son

• “Without Common Ground, I don’t know where I would be. I’m glad I did ask for help.

The people here actually listen and actually care; which isn’t something I have ever

had in my life. With the support of Common Ground, I have really surprised myself

and haven’t given up like I have in the past.”

• Jody was experiencing alcohol abuse for many years, but has managed to stay clean

now for seven years.

Hoarding and Squalor

• Pilot program running from July 2015- July 2016

• 12 month intervention for individuals deemed at-risk of homelessness due to severe domestic squalor and/or compulsive hoarding behaviour.

• Supported 29 participants:• 11 Common Ground residents• 13 Department of Housing tenants • 5 consumers supported through East

Sydney Partners in Recovery.

Room to Grow

Room To Grow- Evaluation

Client Good News Story

• Greg has lived at Common Ground for 6 years.

• He was homeless and sleeping rough for over 15 years.

• He has had chronic schizophrenia for twenty plus years with associated heavy drug use.

• Greg participated in the Hoarding and Squalor program and engaged in weekly forensic cleans and the social aspects of this program. Due to major cognitive impairments his plan focused on safety measures that involved capping syringe needles and placing in needle bins; cigarettes smoking on his balcony to reduce fire risks in his unit.

• Greg has shown great improvements in property care, with his case managers daily prompting and specific tenancy orders to encourage positive behaviours.

• Greg was recently approved for a $90k per annum NDIS package to assist him in ADL’s and self-identified goals.

Camperdown Support Services Program Logic

Common Ground in the News -ABC

Cheryl’s story

Thank you! Any Questions?