22/23 COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT
About Common Ground
Common Ground Adelaide is a permanent supportive housing response to homelessness. The program offers quality permanent affordable housing in medium to high density accommodation settings. Participants benefit from on-site tenancy management, case management and co-ordinated support services in a supportive and connected community. Common Ground Adelaide strives to provide a safe and welcoming home environment, supported by placemaking approaches designed to support community activity and build community strength. Common Ground Adelaide introduced the first ‘Housing First’ approach in a purpose-built accommodation setting to Australia, and outcomes continue to demonstrate the positive impact of this approach in permanently ending homelessness for individuals. Common Ground models now operate across the country and continue to be recognised nationally and internationally as a successful approach to end chronic homelessness, by supporting people to settle and establish a strong foundation for their future life.
Common Ground Adelaide provides 102 supportive housing places, in fully equipped apartments across four high density apartment buildings in the west end of the Adelaide CBD. No more than 50% of housing placements at each site are supportive housing, with the balance of places being affordable housing for persons on low incomes.
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
Supported Resident Highlights
100% of people who were rough sleeping at intake were in accommodation at exit from the service 25 successful exits from the service, including to various housing opportunities such as community housing (within the Housing Choices SA portfolio) and private rentals NO supported residents returned to homelessness at exit from the service
supported residents received and engaged with support services. Each supported resident received an intake assessment, and case plan that identified their strengths and set future goals
98
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
Support Services Provided
26 supported residents were assisted to connect culturally
23 supported residents received services to address trauma
31 supported residents received support to sustain/maintain their tenancy
25 supported residents received specialist counselling
22 supported residents received support to engage in employment
18 supported residents received support to engage in education
total services were provided by the team across 2022/23 3,632
60 905
supported residents received support with independent living skills and personal development
referrals were made to other services
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
Annual data collection | Supported Resident Profile
Common Ground is funded to provide support to 102 residents at any one time. Residents receiving support are referred to as ‘supported residents’ and this data only refers to those in the service.
*Data obtained from Common Ground Directly Contracted Services Report - 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023.
14% 16% 17%
identify as having a disability
identify as Aboriginal
born overseas including 2 residents who identify as refugees
and/or Torres Strait Islanders
Main presenting issues
Age Breakdown
1
Under 18 years
Experiencing mental health issues
73
24
18-24 years
Experiencing alcohol issues
8
25-44 years
37
Experiencing substance misuse issues
13
45-54 years
22
54-64 years
5
Experiencing domestic or family violence
19
6
65+ years
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
A song of success
Songwriter Fleur was previously supported by Common Ground. Fleur released her first solo EP titled ‘Fallen Leaves’ this past August. The song ‘Caught’, her first single, captures Fleur’s lived experience with mental health challenges and housing security over the years. “My song ‘Caught’ aims to raise awareness, and paint with dignity, the people experiencing the daily realities of being without a home,” said Fleur. “Housing is a human right, and releasing this song was a response to the more visible presence of homelessness in the city, and hearing about it more on the news.” Fleur was living in highly distressing circumstances prior to coming to live at Common Ground. Living at Common Ground for 8 years gave her time to pause and start a recovery journey while also having access to support, safety, and security.
“The social workers do a good job to work with people who are marginalised by society... they are very strong in friendliness, empathy, community building and sense of humour.”
The wrap around services as well as stable affordable housing were invaluable to Fleur.
“The social workers do a good job to work with people who are marginalised by society...they are very strong in friendliness, empathy, community building and sense of humour.”
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
“ Fleur moved on from Common Ground when her growing instrument collection – including a piano - and holding music rehearsals became just a little too noisy for a high-density apartment block. Very thankful to find a new home in an artist cooperative, Fleur now has space to store and explore music, and became part of another supportive (and creative) community.
This new environment has allowed Fleur’s music-making the space it needs.
As well as releasing her EP this year, Fleur also wrote and performed her original Rock Opera at The Adelaide Cabaret Festival called ‘The Desert Plea’, about mental health and the climate crisis. “David Chapple was a wonderful writing collaborator for the show. We actually met when he ran a poetry workshop at Common Ground!” Her latest album, which she wrote lyrics and music to and performed all vocals and instruments on - is now available to purchase via the bandcamp link on her website fleurgreen.com ‘It would be wonderful to be heard as widely as possible so people can ‘walk a mile’ in someone else’s shoes and learn to peacefully exist alongside each other - supporting and improving our situations in whatever capacity we can.”
Fleur's debut album artwork.
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
In our words
Common Ground’s client services team explain, in their own words, the work they do >>>
Image: Client Services Team
I use an individually tailored approach to work with supported residents to assist them in living their best lives. I believe that they are the expert in their own lives, and I am here to assist and facilitate in areas that they identify or require assistance in navigating. For example a person’s medical treatment, mental health support, referrals, health and wellbeing, exercise, group participation and activities. This empowers the individual and allows them to feel in control of their decisions and support.
Dan M.
I try to be consistent. I try to listen for what might be difficult to say and validate experiences but also listen for the “right“ moment to offer a different or new perspective on an issue or way of seeing things. I try to think of ways to occupy their mind, spirit and body in ways they can enjoy or be proud of. I try very hard to match the client’s issues with the right professional support. I celebrate and affirm their successes, no matter how small. I try to keep them open to possibilities or connected to a vision for the future.
Karen A.
I tend to work towards meeting a resident where they are at and foster independence, which helps with initial rapport building. Encouraging supported residents to build their own autonomy in their lives. By facilitating coaching discussions where they can make decisions and choices that are aligned with how they want to live their lives, within the Community at Housing Choices - Common Ground. This can look different for everyone - someone making that hard phone call for themselves with someone they trust being with them. Or to select and reach out to specialist services. Even though this can take time and patience, teaching someone to fish is far more beneficial than giving them the fish’. .
Mynie C.
I would say my approach is client-centered – meeting the supported resident where they are on that day. This can mean that sometimes I am working very intensively with someone ie. If one of my supported people presents and is eager to attend medical appointments and engage positively with support then I will provide more intensive and concentrated support during that time. Trying to meet them where they are at and achieve as much as we can together in that window of engagement.
Selina M.
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
“Even though this can take time and patience, teaching someone to fish is far more beneficial than giving them the fish.” - Case Coordinator, Mynie C.
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
On-site Integrated Health Suite The Integrated Health Suite located on-site provides free dental and health care for Common Ground Adelaide residents, people without a home and those at risk of homelessness or homeless in the community. In 2023, Common Ground Adelaide also partnered with the School of Public Health at the University of Adelaide to provide on-site counselling and psychotherapy services. These services were delivered by a counselling student as part of their final placement. Upwards of 30 hours of free holistic counselling was provided through this initiative with very positive feedback provided by people who accessed the service.
322
481 237
566
visits to the GP Clinic by Common Ground residents
items were provided as part of their GP service
appointments to the Dental Clinic by Common Ground residents
billable items provided as part of the dental service
Acknowledgement of health partners
The University of Adelaide School of Dentistry, Dr Harry Perkins, Amanda Drewer
Dr Simon Vanlint – GP
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
“I believe that they are the expert in their own lives, and I am here to assist and facilitate in areas that they identify or require assistance in navigating.” - Case Coordinator, Dan M.
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
2022-2023 | Highlights across our community
Studies show that “people who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others and a stronger immune system”.
Seppala, Dr. E. Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection.The Centre for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, 2014
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
10 years of cooking catch ups For over 10 years, the SA Inclusive Communities team has facilitated a Cooking Group with local Adelaide residents - including many Common Ground supported residents. Held every second Monday, residents gather in the common room kitchen to cook up a seasonal feast, often using produce kindly donated from OzHarvest, or picked from the large community garden over on Franklin St.
Meal preparation and kitchen skills, recipes and stories are shared, along with a meal together. Leftovers are prepared for neighbours and friends who might not be able to attend.
Reconciliation Week highlights Reconciliation Week felt quite momentous in South Australia this year, with the Voice to Parliament referendum dominating the discussion at morning teas, annual orations – and everything in between.
The SA Inclusive Communities team hosted a genuinely respectful discussion about the Voice to Parliament over morning tea, with a special guest speaker from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
Community Connections
During the 2022/23 Financial Year the Housing Choices Inclusive Communities team facilitated 315 activities/programs open to Common Ground supported residents.
Programs Regular
Activities Special
Resident Engagement
Advocacy
Education Programs Monthly guest speaker Memorial Services Outings Celebrations & Events Birthday Club Garden Competition Declutter Days Community Connections Vaccination Clinics Kayaking/paddleboarding Swimming
OzHarvest Food Program Music Group Lawn Bowls Walking/Fitness groups Cooking Group Rainbow Group Games Group Yarning Choices Community Garden Group Book Club
Focus Groups Building/site meetings Resident Communications
No Interest Loan Program Wyatt Grants Meetings with local leaders Noise/EPA complaints SAPOL liaison/ Neighbourhood Watch Financial Counselling Program Mediation Program
Project Co-Design Surveys/Feedback
Across 2022-2023 there were...
906 attendees to OzHarvest 44 attendees at Music Group 66 attendees across Fitness activities (Walking, Fishing, Lawn Bowls and Hiking) 23 attendees to Rainbow Group (LQBTQI+) 107 attendees across Info Sessions/Workshops including Financial Literacy, SAPOL, Home Ownership and Men’s Health 150 attendees at Gardening Group 142 attendees at special events such as NAIDOC Week and International Women’s Day
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
A flying future for Jordy
Not all Common Ground residents require a high level of support. Sometimes access to an affordable place to live and a little support every now and then is all it takes to brighten a future.
24 year-old Jordy works in catering at a large central Australian mine site. As a FIFO worker, he enjoys the remote environment and the opportunity to meet a wide range of people. When back in Adelaide, Jordy spends time in his apartment home, a place that perfectly reflects his personality; tattoo art neatly decorates the walls while fantasy books are stacked above his high-vis work shirts. His support worker, affectionately known as ‘Dan, the man’ has given Jordy the occasional hand - helping him secure his work uniform as well as connecting him to some counselling services.
“I look at it as a place I can get my life on track and actually get where I want to be.”
“I do think of it as a privilege to live in one of these apartments, and it’s so convenient for my work.”
When Jordy moved in, he admits he wasn’t quite making the most of the situation.
“I think I was using this property wrong for a while. Now I look at it as a place I can get my life on track and actually get where I want to be.” “I can look to the future now, which is something I had never really thought about. I want to travel, and I’d like to buy a place – I’m saving at the moment.”
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
"
Life with Lily
I love the diversity of people who live here
– especially the mums with kids.
Lily’s Adelaide CBD unit is as perfectly manicured and orderly as you might expect from an ex-schoolteacher. Dotted with knickknacks from world travels, memories of loved ones lost and an impressive collection of very healthy plants (Lily is a previous ‘Best Garden winner), this unit is clearly more than a house – it’s a home. However, it wasn’t always this way. “When I arrived at Common Ground, I was recovering. I had been in a mental institution with health issues and spent time at Catherine House – an organisation I still support now, in my own way,” said Lily. Common Ground’s case coordinator services, as well as the safety and security of the unit were integral to Lily getting to the place she is today – planning overseas trips and living a full life. “I had a case coordinator for seven or eight years. I was at a stage where I would only share what I was going through with them.” “I think people might not realise how much you can bond with a case coordinator. You can drop your façade with them and find ways of tackling something together.”
As a self-confessed people-person, Lily initially threw herself into every activity the Inclusive Communities team had to offer, however has now built her own community and hobbies. “It’s not like living in a street where you don’t know anyone – I love the diversity of people who live here – especially the mums with kids. You know people are here because they have been through something stressful, or are just starting out, but I really enjoy the diverse range of people around me and getting to know the people on my floor.” While Lily is happy call her unit her forever home, she recognises that for some it is more like a stepping stone in their life. “I see how it can be a transient place - kind of like a bus terminal - where people are passing through but friendly while waiting. While I’m happy here, I’m also so pleased that people who come here move on or move up and step on from here.”
“That’s why Common Ground, as part of Housing Choices SA, is so important.”
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
Housing First Principles
The Housing First model is a strategic response to homelessness that prioritises permanent and stable housing for people experiencing homelessness
Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), 2018
Housing and support are separated to ensure they are delivered with unwavering advocacy provided to the individual. All residents have rights and responsibilities as tenants. Case workers will assertively engage to support and maintain tenancies at risk, understanding the critical part a stable home plays in an individual’s overall wellbeing. There is choice and self-determination where people are able to define for themselves what makes a home. Person-centred support ensures case planning is responsive to an individual’s particular circumstances, needs and choices. Create a sense of belonging where social and community inclusion is an integral part of Common Ground Supportive Housing. This aims to build a sense of self and supports connection with others and to place, which acts as a protective factor for people’s tenancy, health and wellbeing. Active engagement without coercion, where the onus is on support workers to maintain the relationship and ensure their work is engaging. Support workers are creative, compassionate, persistent, proactive and do not give up when engagement is low. It is critical that services build trust, are trauma and gender informed, reliable and transparent. Practice is recovery orientated, and celebrates and works with people's capacities and strengths. Support focusses on people being able to recover a sense of themselves and their place in the community. Support offers hope and actively encourages people to dream and maintain a future focus. It also enables the ‘dignity of risk’, where negative experiences are transformed into learning experiences. A harm reduction approach that focusses on safety and education, where support is guided by individual choice, is accessible and culturally appropriate. Support workers use a wide range of proactive strategies to reduce the negative impact of potentially high risk behaviours. Support workers are mindful that recovery is not a linear journey and doesn’t necessarily require abstinence. Housing and support remain available to people through every stage and in their recovery journey. Recognition that people have a right to a home that meets their cultural and social needs, provides them with full tenancy rights and takes into consideration safety and community connections. Flexible support for as long as needed that is holistic and person-centred and sensitive to people’s cultural identity, life experiences and past trauma. Support is individually tailored and intensity can rise and fall based on a person’s needs at any given time.
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
Common Ground Adelaide is jointly funded by the South Australian Housing Authority - through the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement - and Housing Choices. Acknowledgments
• Foodbank SA • Volunteers SA • Child and Family Focus SA (CAFFSA) • Conservation Council SA • Thread Together Memberships
Volunteers A big thank you to our volunteers who provide great support with the Health Suite services and to the Oz Harvest Program. We would also like to thank The Basin Haircutters for providing hair care vouchers for Common Ground residents.
Contact
Housing Choices South Australia
housingchoices.org.au infosa@hcau.org.au 1300 312 447
COMMON GROUND IMPACT REPORT 22/23
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