Farewell from Lana & Mark
In November we said farewell to two long serving Housing Choices employees - Lana & Mark. Lana started at Common Ground back in 2007 and was instrumental in the establishment of the Common Ground program. Mark joined the Common Ground team in 2011 as a Case Coordinator before moving into the Inclusive Communities space. His ever-steady presence was far reaching in our community, and the dedication he showed to residents, staff and HCSA was outstanding. Residents and the Common Ground music group marked his service at a BBQ in Light Square. A personal farewell to our residents from Lana:
Common Ground and Housing Choices have been part of my life for over 16 years. In 2007 I started working on a project to establish a housing program to reduce homelessness in Adelaide – Common Ground Adelaide. The early days were very hands on with weekends and weeknights spent building flat pack furniture, making beds and hanging curtains. Residents and staff would hold a cooking group of an evening and allow people to come and grab a plate. We established a community garden in raised garden beds, and in pots that were then moved around to the current community garden location on Franklin Street. Our days would be spent talking and listening to people’s experiences. A grandmother who slept in her car and would head into work early to shower so she could keep her employment. Men sleeping in the parklands during the day because it was safer than at night. Larry who was sleeping in the old bus station watching the Franklin St site being built. Business people who had lost everything. Hearing about the impact of alcohol or drug dependency, the impact of mental illness on individuals and their families.
Seven years ago we expanded our services and took over the management of 800 plus Housing SA tenancies. This has allowed the organisation a platform to expand operations and continue to offer more housing. I believe we have done an exceptional job making our communities inclusive and creating opportunities for residents to participate in activities and events they might not have had previously. The efforts taken
Common Ground provided a safe place for people, a home that didn’t need to be packed up every morning, a warm shower, a bed, somewhere to close the door and know they would be safe. Places for friendships to form and community to develop. Diverse places with people who attended private schooling to those who didn’t go to school at all. A home where a parent could have regular visits from their children, which led to regaining fulltime care. A number of residents have been able to move from Common Ground and into home ownership. The success stories have continued year on year. In Port Augusta, Augusta Tce is like a caring extended family – people look out for each other, and let the staff know if they haven’t seen someone for a day or two and have a true sense of community. Death is a reality in life, and for those with no family, knowing that Common Ground became a home, and a community was always humbling. Common Ground holds a special place in my heart, and it always will.
to assist local residents to connect with their
wider community and the relationships built with local council and other services is showing to be a benefit for many households. Over 16 years I have been fortunate to have worked with some great leaders – many women, who shared their knowledge and support, and made Housing Choices a great place to work. The staff are the absolute best – all so very committed to assisting people in our community and each other. As we know, Adelaide is a small place, and it is likely we will cross paths again, so for now be kind to each other, and I will not say goodbye, and instead say see you later! 😊 Lana
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