Everyone deserves a safe night’s sleep, and at Launch Housing we know that the solution to homelessness is more homes, and more support. To make a home for all a reality, Launch Housing offers innovative housing solutions with on-going support.
Elizabeth Street Common Ground (ESCG) is a permanent supportive housing initiative tackling long-term homelessness in Melbourne.
Based on the Common Ground model of permanent supportive housing that originated in New York more than 20 years ago, ESCG is a mixed-tenancy building where half the units are for low-income residents and half are for those who have experienced homelessness. For the latter, Elizabeth Street Common Ground is a permanent supportive housing initiative tackling long-term homelessness in Melbourne.
When ESCG opened in 2010, it was the very first Common Ground model in Victoria, and only the second in Australia.
Permanent quality housing combined with tailored support and housing first approach form the foundation of the Common Ground model.
It provides 65 studio apartments, and delivers on-going support to improve residents’ health, wellbeing and lifestyle. Support workers offer residents 24-hour support to ensure they get the care and support they need to live better lives.
Elizabeth Street Common Ground gives individuals the opportunity to secure safe, affordable housing. Referrals are through homelessness access points across Victoria.
Am I Eligible for Elizabeth Street Common Ground?
Eligibility is based on a range of factors:
An additional 66 apartments provide affordable housing tenancies managed by Unison.
Thanks to our partners
Elizabeth Street Common Ground is a partnership with Unison Community Housing, the Victorian Property Fund, the Victorian and Federal Governments, and Grocon.
Viv’s Place is an Australian-first apartment building dedicated to providing safe, permanent housing for at-risk women and children. Viv’s Place is a beacon of hope for families escaping family violence and homelessness, offering not just a home but a nurturing community with comprehensive support services on-site.
A Unique Approach to Housing and Support
Viv’s Place combines beautifully designed, long-term housing with staff on-site 24/7. The building features 60 apartments, communal kitchen, living spaces and children's play areas, offices, community garden. Integrated community and on-site support services ensure that families have everything they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive.
A Vision for the Future
The need for safe, supportive housing is critical, especially with family violence being the leading cause of homelessness in Australia. Viv’s Place serves as a pioneering model, demonstrating the social and economic value of long-term housing combined with comprehensive support services. Our hope is that Viv’s Place will inspire further investment nationally, leading to the replication of this effective model and addressing the risk of homelessness for many more women and young children escaping domestic violence.
A Community-Driven Effort
The creation of Viv’s Place was made possible through the collaboration of Launch Housing, Uniting Vic Tas, generous donors, and the Victorian Government. The total project cost of $30 million was significantly supported by a community of passionate philanthropic donors, who ensured the success of the building’s construction. Initial donations came from organisations like the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, and the Shine on Foundation. Subsequent support from the Gandel Foundation, the Ian Potter Foundation, and many generous individuals and families ensured the project's success.
Proven Model of Success
Inspired by Sugar Hill in New York City, which has been supporting thousands of people out of homelessness for over 30 years, Viv’s Place aims to replicate this success in Australia. By providing a safe and secure home and access to essential services, women can find stability, foster a healthy family environment, and create new futures for their children.
We invite you to join us in our mission to end homelessness and provide a safe, supportive environment for women and children. Your support can make a lasting impact on vulnerable families, helping them find stability and create a brighter future. Together, we can end homelessness.
