ALLBIDS Blog

Four Poster Bed from the Winter Bed Vigil

Monday, 09 September 2013 | Muhammad Awais

For 72 hours in wintery August weather the Winter Bed Vigil, a four poster bed art installation in Civic Square, was the centre of a public awareness campaign on homelessness in Canberra.

The idea was the brainchild of Robyn Archer Artistic Director Centenary of Canberra and Holly Rankin Smith of Bighart and was supported by the ACT Government through the Centenary of Canberra. Looking like something out of a fairy story or a ship in full sale with its white drapes floating in the wind the bed was an impressive sight.

Among those who braved the rain and gale force winds to spent time in the bed were Robyn Archer Artistic Director of the Centenary of Canberra, Gai Brodtmann MP, Gary Humphries, Geoff Pryor popular Canberra Times cartoonist, Andrew Leigh MP and Andrew Wall MLA. Helpers included friends and members of Common Ground Canberra. Visitors to the installation were very supportive of the project and donated generously to the cause.

The four-poster bed is now available to buy through an online auction at www.allbids.com.au, with all proceeds of the sale to go to Common Ground Canberra. The package is valued in excess of $1000 and includes the bed, queen-size mattress, electric blanket and never used doona cover, sheet set and 6 pillow slips.

Donations can be made direct to Common Ground Canberra for a new facility for the homeless and those with a low income. Visit Hands Across Canberra for more information.

Inquiries to Gwen Wilcox Director Common Ground Canberra 0402 014 728

Common Ground Canberra is working with the ACT Government to establish a housing development in Canberra based on the Common Ground Model with a mix of 50 per cent homeless and 50 per cent low income individuals and families. The ACT government has provided a site in Gungahlin for the building of 40 one and two bedroom units. The ACT Government has provided $7.6 million and the Commonwealth has provide $4.1 million for the project to be completed by December 2014.

The Common Ground approach aims to end chronic homelessness. It recognises that the chronically homeless need more than a roof – they need a home.

It is a partnership between community groups, the private sector and the government to deliver a permanent solution by providing housing with on-site support services tailored to each individual and focused on improving their health, well being and life skills.

The Common Ground Model creates a strong base which assists and supports the move from homelessness into permanent supported housing. It provides an environment and community for people who have previously been vulnerable and living on the streets.

The development will be a secure facility with a 24 hour caretaker and security access to the building by residents.

One of the fundamental features of the Common Ground approach is that housing is of very high quality and suited to its environment. For many of these people they will for the first time have a high quality, well maintained residence that they can take pride in and call home.

Common Ground believes that this development will provide opportunities for homeless people who have had little opportunity and little support in their lives so far. The evidence from other Common Ground developments is that this approach works, ending the cycle of homelessness in which some people have become trapped.

There are Common Ground projects already up and running in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney with others being built in other Australian cities. They have attracted positive reactions from local residents due to features such as the quality of the buildings and the attention paid to security. Common Ground is confident that a similar development in Canberra will also be successful and integrate well into the community and environment.