Growing taller and prouder everyday, Brisbane Common Ground, the 14-level supportive housing development taking shape at 15 Hope Street, South Brisbane, will be completed by mid-2012.
The design and function of this revolutionary apartment complex was adapted from a model of supportive housing first pioneered by Roseanne Haggerty, American housing and community development leader, in New York City 20 years ago.
Brisbane Common Ground will provide 146 new homes for people on low incomes (less than $40,000 per year) who need to live in the area because of work or study, as well as people who have experienced long-term homelessness. The eco-friendly design of over 12,000sqm includes 11 one-bedroom units, 102 studio units and 33 adaptable studio units (designed to be suitable for tenants with mobility difficulties).
Kerry Batchler, Director, Brisbane Common Ground Implementation Project, said there was considerable evidence of the cost-effectiveness of the supportive housing model in breaking the cycle of homelessness, when compared to existing crisis and emergency responses to rough sleeping and chronic homelessness.
"Through creative design, services, affordability and social mix, Brisbane Common Ground aims to meet the needs of people who have lived on the streets," Kerry said.
"People will have a permanent home providing safety and security, and the services required to sustain their tenancies and be active members of the community."
The innovative Common Ground model of supportive housing has had success in permanently ending homelessness in other Australian cities and worldwide.
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