East Perth Common Ground welcomes its first tenants

• First tenants have moved into the 112-apartment East Perth Common Ground
• Tenants will be housed in a staggered approach to ensure they're each supported into their new home
• The Common Ground model, the first of two for Western Australia, delivers a housing-first approach to supporting people experiencing homelessness
• Cook Government committed to helping Western Australians have the security a home provides

The first tenants of East Perth Common Ground have a new place to call home, with support services in place and operating.

Tenants are moving into the building's 112 apartments in a staggered approach, ensuring that they are supported by the tenancy support service provider, Mission Australia.

These apartments host a mix of tenants transitioning out of homelessness, as well as social and affordable housing tenants.

Supports such as healthcare and wellbeing services and links to education, training, and employment opportunities are in operation.

East Perth Common Ground is the first of two Common Grounds in Western Australia, with a Common Ground in Mandurah also under construction.

The Common Ground model delivers a housing-first approach by providing a mix of permanent housing options for people who are experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping or on low incomes, along with wraparound support services and on-site management.

East Perth Common Ground is part of the Cook Government's record $6.3 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures since 2021 and delivers on a key priority of the State Government's All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia's 10 Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030, which aims to improve outcomes for Western Australians experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

Comments attributed to Housing and Works Minister John Carey:

"Our government has made a record $6.3 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures since 2021, including in the delivery of two common grounds.

"East Perth Common Ground will transform the lives of some of our most vulnerable community members by providing affordable, secure and supported accommodation.

"Following practical completion last year, it is great to see support services up and running and the first tenants moving in.

Comments attributed to Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn:

"By bringing the Common Ground Model to Western Australia, this government has demonstrated its commitment to delivering bold and evidence-based initiatives that support people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

"Pairing people with wraparound services that meet them where they are ensures they have the best chance of remaining housed.

"Milestones like this show the State Government is getting on with the job of delivering more support services and accommodation for Western Australians doing it tough."

Comments attributed to Mission Australia State Director WA Sue Budalich:

"This development represents hope, opportunity and a shared commitment to ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.

"People come to Common Ground with different stories and experiences. What they share is a desire for stability and a place to belong.

"Common Ground provides permanent housing within an inclusive community, with support close by for those who want it.

"It recognises that housing is the starting point for wellbeing, connection and opportunity to thrive."