Argyle Housing was proud to assist launch Common Ground Canberra on Friday the 3rd of July, 2015 where 40 singles and couples now call home.
This unique housing initiative provides supportive and sustainable housing to low income earners and those who have experienced homelessness. As tenancy and project managers for the recently completed Common Ground Canberra, Argyle Housing has not only had the privilege of seeing the project through from ground up but also of welcoming in all the new tenants.
Located in the heart of Gungahlin, close to services, transport and shops, the site comprises of 40 x 1-bedroom units. There are also expansive internal and external common areas available for all tenants to use whenever they like – such as the communal open plan kitchen, computer work stations, entertainment room, art room, large communal veggie gardens and BBQ area. Along with Argyle, Northside Community Services are available onsite to provide that extra support to tenants.
The site was officially opened by Chief Minister Andrew Barr after speeches by Common Ground Board member Stephen Bartos and ACT Housing Minister Yvette Berry. Almost 200 people were in attendance and all enjoyed the morning tea put on by the local Gungahlin CWA .
The ACT Government invested $13 million towards the project, with an added $4 million in funding provided by the Commonwealth Government.
Territory Housing Minister Yvette Berry said on the day that it would not have happened without the support of local businesses and community groups.
“There was lots of other funding and support provided by the community so it’s been a really collaborative effort, which is I think what makes this so special, and such a different and unique housing project,” she said.
“Common Ground is different from traditional homelessness support services because it locates safe and secure accommodation directly, with vital supports and services that are critical to helping tenants get the support they need to help break the cycle of homelessness.”
Chairman of Common Ground Canberra Stephen Bartos said the idea was almost a decade in the making and echoed similar projects around the world.
“What we’re hoping to do is give people hope, give people a new start in their lives and the feedback from the early tenants is that’s exactly what they’re getting.”
Argyle looks forward to working with all the tenants – supporting them to have successful tenancies and new found opportunity.
