Elizabeth Street Common Ground

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.

Melbourne laneway covered with framed works of art

Am I Eligible for Elizabeth Street Common Ground?

Eligibility is based on a range of factors:

Single adults with a history of homelessness and rough sleeping
Mental illness, drug and alcohol dependency, disability/cognitive impairments or other chronic health condition which can be a barrier to maintaining housing; and
Vulnerability to harm and exploitation from others or a risk of harm to themselves.

An additional 66 apartments comprise of 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.

For help call 1800 825 955

Launch Housing is a place where people of diverse backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations are welcomed and supported.

Launch Housing

Created with Heartburst