Unity Housing established an intensive supported housing precinct in the inner south suburbs for people with high needs mental illness.

Comprising 18 mixed-tenure units – 11 of which are dedicated to Unity tenants experiencing mental health issues – Unity’s Avalon precinct provides tenants with access to specialised support in collaboration with the Inner South Community Mental Health Service; Housing SA; and Uniting Care Wesley Port Adelaide. An office is located on-site to deliver support on weekdays.

This trail-blazing model has demonstrated significant success in sustaining tenancies over the past 10 years.

Day-to-day support is offered to tenants with the aim of transitioning to and securing permanent housing. Unity staff collaborate and work closely with the care providers to track tenants’ progress and incorporate further support as required.

In 2015, Unity received a grant from the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion’s Community Benefit SA to install a permanent outdoor pergola and kitchen to increase tenants’ participation in activities such as cooking and art.

As part of this project, tenants worked with a local artist to facilitate the design and creation of a mosaic table (pictured), which is used to prepare food and share meals together. The table has enabled tenants to congregate and interact with each other on a daily basis.

A communal garden is located on the property from which tenants enjoy growing and cooking their own produce. They grow herbs, fruit and vegetables together and enjoy reaping the results. A new barbecue and work bench were also purchased with the grant.