The Challenge

What would it take to end homelessness in South Australia?

“With the right strategy in place South Australians can have confidence that eliminating homelessness is an achievable goal” Rosanne Haggerty, 2006

Rosanne Haggerty worked on the premise that homelessness is both solvable and preventable.

The central aim of Rosanne’s residency was to assess South Australia’s current homelessness situation, advise on policies and strategies in order to achieve more efficient and effective housing assistance programs, and to raise debate within the community about innovative approaches to housing for homeless people.  

Rosanne brought a wealth of knowledge and proven strategies that are driving reductions in homelessness in communities around the world. She identified and endorsed the work already being done in the State, particularly that of the Social Inclusion Board, and made recommendations for further development.

During her residency, Rosanne established a new homelessness initiative – Common Ground Adelaide – which is managed and promoted by South Australian business leaders.  One property of 39 apartments has already opened, and two further sites are either under construction or in the planning stage. 

From this initiative, The Australian Common Ground Alliance, a national network between non-government and government agencies interested in implementing the Common Ground model, has emerged, with Ms Therese Rein appointed as its Patron. 

Rosanne Haggerty was in residence in March 2005 and June/July 2006.