The Common Ground Model is a long term homelessness model that is currently not in Perth.

The modula home model is for people without high support needs whereas the common ground model is for people who have been identified as having high needs on the International SPDAT score.

The world's best practice in tackling homelessness is based around a new  philosophy in housing being secured and provided first for the person needed accommodation.

 

The older practice was to put the resident's tasks, life skills and ability to manage their life and accommodation before placing them in a home.

 

Now placing a person in a home first giving them security and then from there for them to organize their life and their issues.
The resident is placed in a safe place with the support that they require.

The Common Ground model has a Social mix that varies but can be viewed as around 50 to 50. With 50% being people who have accommodation needs with their high SPDAT score. The other 50% being lower socio-economic working people such as young people who want to live close their work in the CDB. These working people provide a model to the people coming out of the experience of having experienced homelessness.

The aim is for the resident to sustain their home and their health, both physical and mental.

 
The Common Ground Model requires someone to run the housing management and, usually a separate organisation providing personal support. So two different organizations.

 
Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart all currently have the Common Ground Model.

Typically it is an apartment block with no branding, near to public transportation and to shopping. Studio accommodation of one bedroom, through some do have two bedrooms. The buildings have roof top gardens and space, with common spaces, as well as community connection usually through a GP and cafe being on the street frontage of the complex.

The apartments are fully furnished and equipped. Much of the work is done pro bono and at the costs of the materials required.

The service operation and support to the residents in need is designed to build resilience.

 

Security services are required in these complexes. As well as a support for required living skills and medication, and the presence of volunteers like musicians.

This model needs to be well managed in governance.

 
The tenant experience is overwhelming positive in both their experience of security and community. This is their permanent home. The building of self respect is the outcome for the resident. 

Not all people who are in need of accommodation are suited to apartment living, especially those who are susceptible to  noise.

Evaluation over a 5 year period showed a retention 50 to 60 per cent. After 3 years those who moved usually did so to better accommodation. The residents' health was better, and justice (offending) outcomes had improved.

Alcohol and drug usage was not reduced but was better managed. Also employment did not happen.

Ongoing costs are 50% to building maintenance costs and 50% in support services provided to the residents. The shortfall gap with costs being higher than the rental income from the tenants is picked up by the government. For the Government overall saves money by having having people';s accommodation needs being met.

 

As a University study has demonstrated by comparing the costs involved for the person prior to their being in the Common Ground Complex compared with their costs of being accommodated within the apartment. The study showed that there was a major saving of $13,000 per person per year.