Australian Common Ground Alliance

An important development of 2008 was the formation of the Australian Common Ground Alliance. The Alliance brings together organisations and individuals working to introduce Supportive Housing developments into their cities that are based on the model and methodology developed by the New York-based Common Ground organisation.These developments operate with a whole of community approach to ending chronic homelessness.

Rosanne Haggerty, the founder and President of Common Ground, has supported the establishment of this national alliance. The Alliance has also been strengthened by the involvement of Thérèse Rein as patron. Thérèse brings a great passion and social justice committment in addition to her business
acumen, considered judgement and broad experience.

Ms Rein has visited Common Ground in New York and has a vision for the establishment of similar models across Australia along with research towards developing a stronger evidence base in support of homelessness solutions.

The campaign to end chronic homelessness in Australia is bolstered by having two such amazing leaders supporting our work.

The Alliance has representation from people in government and non-government organisations that are in various stages of work towards developing Common Ground projects in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania and Brisbane. Sue Crafter of Common Ground Adelaide is the Alliance's inaugural Secretary while Stephen Nash of HomeGround Services is its inaugural Chairperson.

The Alliance is a positive example of cooperative partnerships between Australian cities with strong government, community and international connections. It is this kind of multi-level co-operative approach that is needed to end chronic homelessness in Australia.

The Australian Common Ground Alliance are in the process of setting up their website. In the meantime, please direct any enquiries to communications@homeground.org.au