Common Ground (Adelaide and Port Augusta)

What is Common Ground?

Common Ground is a housing model which adopts a permanent, supportive housing solution to end homelessness. We provide people with a safe place to live permanently and the support to help them achieve stability in their lives.
The Common Ground model was introduced to South Australia by internationally renowned community development leader Rosanne Haggerty, founder of Common Ground New York. Common Ground Adelaide was established in 2006 by members of the Adelaide business community and the South Australian Government.
In 2015, the organisation joined forces with Housing Choices Australia, ensuring Common Ground’s sustainability into the future.


The five components of the Common Ground model are:

Quality, permanent, affordable housing

All residents pay a maximum of 30% of their income in rent, or no more than 75% of market rent. Our residents have the same rights and responsibilities as residents in any other apartment building. They have a lease or residential tenancy agreement, with no limits on the length of stay

A diverse social mix

Common Ground buildings house a mix of formerly homeless people and low-income residents, generally in a 50:50 ratio.

Coordinated on-site tenancy management and support services

Services are located on-site with links to other existing community services, this assists residents to maintain their tenancies and connect them to the local community. Common Ground residents have access to on-site medical, dental and mental health services.

A safe, secure environment

Safety and security are key elements in the design and management of Common Ground Supportive Housing sites.
Southern Cross Security services provide patrols every evening to all sites, and an afterhours maintenance service is available, as well as an On Call service for Common Ground’s supported residents.

Community Development/Placemaking

Placemaking is using activity and action to build community strength. The Community Development team and Support staff encourage people to participate in the programs offered. We encourage our activities to become tenant led and initiated, and provide opportunity for learning, participating and forming connections.
The Light Square service hub includes a commercial kitchen for cooking programs, and a workspace with computers. A resident community garden is operated in conjunction with “The Joinery” on Franklin Street.

Common Ground’s housing portfolio consists of:

  • Franklin Street – 38 units
  • Light Square – 52 units
  • Mellor Street – 52 units
  • Other inner city – 12 units
  • Port Augusta – 35 units

CONTACT US

Adelaide

192 Waymouth Street
Adelaide SA 5000

Tel: 1300 312 447

Email: infosa@hcau.org.au

Port Augusta

Unit 21/ 50 Augusta Terrace
Port Augusta SA 5700

Tel: 08 8641 1651

Email: cgpa@aus.salvationarmy.org