Common Ground Canberra – A Housing First Model.
Common Ground Canberra aims to successfully end long term homelessness through housing the most vulnerable people in our communities. It is not a temporary or transitional service or shelter – it is a permanent supportive housing solution
Opened in 2015, Common Ground Canberra is an innovative 5-storey development designed and constructed to support a vibrant, inclusive and diverse community of tenants.
Based on New York’s innovative Breaking Ground program, the Northside team is incredibly proud to provide the support services and community engagement. We work in close partnership with our tenancy management partners, Argyle Housing, to deliver and coordinate on-site support to our tenants.
Common Ground Canberra is a secure access building with 40 self-contained one bed room apartments with the entire ground floor dedicated to housing community common space, on-site tenancy, support and community services.
Our tenants are diverse, vibrant and a valued part of the Gungahlin community. 20 apartments are dedicated to people who have a lived experience of chronic homelessness and 20 apartments are dedicated to individuals and couples on a low income (for example, students or apprentices on low wages).
The Northside team collaborates with a wide range of external support agencies, government agencies and community organisations to deliver clinical services, training, employment and education support, life skills and recreational activities and events. We also actively engage with other public housing tenant communities in an outreach capacity.
Common Ground Canberra is a collaborative partnership between Northside Community Service, the Common Ground Canberra Board, Argyle Housing and the ACT Government.
Housing and Homelessness Support
OneLink is the central information/access point for human services for the ACT including homelessness, disability and family support services. OneLink replaced First Point and the Child Youth and Family Gateway on 1 July 2016 and is operated by our friends at Woden Community Service.
People who are homeless or who require information or access to human services can call 1800 176 468 free of charge. people are also welcome to drop in and meet with OneLink staff, located at Housing ACT, corner of Emu Bank and Benjamin Way Belconnen.
