Elizabeth Street Common Ground (ESCG) is a permanent supportive housing initiative tackling long-term homelessness in Melbourne.
ESCG opened in 2010 and was the very first Common Ground model in Victoria, and only the second in Australia.
It was based on the Common Ground model of permanent supportive housing that originated in New York more than 20 years ago.
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 needed 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.
Eligibility is based on a range of factors:
An additional 66 apartments comprise of affordable housing tenancies managed by Unison.
Elizabeth Street Common Ground is a partnership with Unison Community Housing, the Victorian Property Fund, the Victorian and Federal Governments, and Grocon.