Released 24/04/2022
Community Housing Canberra has been selected to deliver a holistic service model, including tenancy support and property management services, for 40 properties in the new Common Ground multi-unit development in Dickson.
Due for completion in mid-2022, Common Ground Dickson will provide 20 units for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness and 20 affordable housing units for low income Canberrans.
The development includes residential units - with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom dwellings, as well as communal areas, community spaces, the provision for a social enterprise business and onsite support services.
Community Housing Canberra is a trusted expert in the community housing sector, providing property and tenancy management throughout Canberra as the largest not-for-profit, tier 1 registered community housing provider in the ACT. It will partner with YWCA Canberra to deliver a range of on-site services to support individual tenant needs. This will include education, employment, financial support and mental and physical health.
YWCA Canberra have an established record of delivering high quality, person-centred, gender and trauma informed support services to the Canberra community including older women and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness and women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
Common Ground Dickson is designed to provide long-term, high-quality housing options and support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and for low-income earners.
This project supports the ACT Government commitment to provide secure housing options for households of all incomes and to growing the supply of affordable rental housing in the ACT, through investment in community housing.
Quotes attributable to Yvette Berry MLA, Minister for Housing and Suburban Development:
“I would like to congratulate Community Housing Canberra on their successful tender to provide services at Common Ground Dickson.”
“Both Community Housing Canberra and YWCA Canberra have a long and successful history of providing support services and demonstrated experience working together, and I welcome their involvement in the Common Ground project.”
“Everyone deserves a place to call home. We know that having safe and secure housing has a direct impact on well-being and better life outcomes. This project builds on the Government’s commitment to reduce homelessness and support access to housing including additional investment of $171 million in 2021-22 to continue the progress of the Growing and Renewing Public Housing program and $8.6 million over three years to expand the capacity of specialist homelessness services.”
Quotes attributable to Andrew Hannan, Chief Executive Officer of Community Housing Canberra (CHC):
“CHC is delighted to be awarded the property and tenancy management contracts at Common Ground Dickson, alongside our subcontracted tenant support services partner, YWCA Canberra. The integrated team understands the incredible impact that the Common Ground model can make on assisting those who have faced long term homelessness, and intend to further build upon the successes of the model elsewhere. We look forward to working closely with ACT Government stakeholders in delivering the contracted services, and importantly working to improve the lives of the tenants who will form this much needed community.”
Quotes attributable to Stephen Bartos, Chair of the Board of Common Ground Canberra:
“The selection of service providers, after thorough consideration by the ACT Government and representatives of the Common Ground Board, is an important step forward. We welcome the progress that continues to be made. A second Common Ground facility in Dickson will complement the one in Gungahlin that has been working well in that location. Common Ground is a demonstrably successful approach to finding safe, permanent and high quality homes for people in homelessness – especially those who have been sleeping rough or in highly insecure situations who need onsite support services. We acknowledge though the problem of homelessness is broader; to solve it we need a mosaic of services which includes not only Common Ground but also affordable housing, social housing, and specialist services for people with specific needs.”
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases