Page 4402 - Week 12 - Thursday, 24 October 2019
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2016 censuses, the ACT has bucked the national trend, with homelessness reducing in the community even as the population has grown.
Each person experiencing homelessness has a story, and while some of it comes from a sudden event, for others a long process could have led to the outcome. There could be one reason or many—a breakdown in the family, domestic violence, financial difficulty, physical or mental health issues or a combination of all of these.
Last year the ACT government commissioned a study to better understand the specialist care, support and accommodation requirements of people with high and complex needs. The findings of this study provided invaluable insights about people experiencing chronic homelessness. The study identified emerging cohorts at risk of homelessness, such as older women who are in financial stress and struggling to sustain their existing housing.
The study verifies the commitments in the ACT housing strategy, such as addressing gaps in service systems; directing resourcing towards new and emerging needs with a focus on flexibility, early support and prevention; implementing a model of support that draws upon the principles of housing first; establishing a diverse range of support and housing models for people who require permanent supported housing; developing a holistic and client-centred model of social housing; building a second Common Ground; and establishing a strategic vision and plan for the growth and renewal of public housing.
Two of these initiatives were funded in this year’s budget. That demonstrates the government’s commitment to reducing housing and homelessness. The ACT government strongly supports the Common Ground model, based on housing-first principles, a proven approach that connects people experiencing homelessness with safe, permanent and affordable housing as quickly as possible and without preconditions.
Canberra’s first Common Ground in Gungahlin has been providing long-term, secure, affordable housing with on-site support to people in our community who most need it. Building on this success, the ACT government is delivering a second Common Ground in Dickson. This new development will include 40 units with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom dwellings, as well as community and open spaces. The proposed cohort of Common Ground Dickson has been extended to include older women, single parents and families with children. Addressing the needs of these cohorts is a key action of the ACT housing strategy as they represent new and emerging groups vulnerable to homelessness.
Concept designs for Common Ground Dickson are currently open for community feedback. As with Common Ground Gungahlin, the Common Ground board is asking for local builders, businesses and community groups to support and contribute to the delivery of this important project.
I am glad the Chief Minister referred to the many times he has asked for a waiver on the ACT’s historical housing debt, and I have backed him up by writing a letter of my own. I am hoping the number of asks will lead to some quick action for the ACT to
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