The chronically homeless have been shown to generate costs of as much as $100,000 per person per annum in the use of health and other state and local services. There is ample data from Australia and elsewhere to show that secure supported housing significantly reduces those costs and results in better health outcomes.

Habilis intends to develop purpose built small clusters of individual units within a complex that provides physical security, access to support services and opportunity to learn to live independently. We aim to overcome the barriers to accommodation experienced by many people facing chronic homelessness by providing regular visits by a range of service providers on site, and assistance maintaining an independent lifestyle.

The units themselves will be 30-40 m2 with a small bathroom, basic cooking facilities and a balcony. The complexes will have approximately 20 units to create an efficient but manageable cluster. The unit complexes will have a secure perimeter, a caretaker unit, an office, a laundry and common areas and gardens for community activity.

We aim to create a sustainable solution to house the homeless mentally ill by aligning the interests of the homeless, all parties involved in their welfare and funders.