Aspire: a transformative approach to ending homelessness

From the desk of Chris Burns CSC, CEO of Hutt St Centre

 

 

 

 

 

For over seven years Hutt St Centre has delivered the Aspire Program—a social impact bond (SIB) initiative that has proven that investing in innovation does help end homelessness in South Australia. 

The program has exceeded expectations and has proven that investment in long-term, intensive support can break the cycle of chronic homelessness – while also significantly easing the pressures on other crisis services such as health, corrections and emergency accommodation. 

A model for lasting change 

The Aspire SIB, based on the Housing First model, supported 575 people impacted by chronic homelessness in metropolitan Adelaide. With a dedicated case navigator guiding each participant over three years, Aspire provided stable housing, employment pathways, and wraparound support. The results speak for themselves: 

• 81% of participants were housed, with 85% maintaining their tenancies. 

• Hospital bed days reduced by 29%, convictions by 33%, and emergency accommodation usage by an incredible 73%. 

• 41% of participants secured employment, with others engaging in education, volunteering, or community activities. 

These outcomes demonstrate the power of sustained, personalised support in transforming lives—not just for individuals, but for the broader community. 

Financial and social impact 

Aspire was Australia’s first homelessness-focused SIB in Australia and the first SIB in South Australia. Investors and government stakeholders took a leap of faith in this outcomes-based funding model, and the results have been remarkable. Apart from saving lives, the program delivered over $40 million in  savings for South Australian taxpayers by significantly reducing demandon crisis services, while also providing a 14.1% annual return to investors. 

Beyond the statistics, Aspire has strengthened communities by helping people rebuild their lives. The stories of participants like Derick, who regained stable housing and reconnected with his children, or Joe who transitioned from sleeping rough to full-time employment, highlight the life-changing impact of this program. 

The road ahead 

While the SIB funding arrangement concluded in June 2024, the South Australian Government has committed to continue funding the program  until  2027. This ensures that Aspire will remain a vital part of the homelessness system for the short-term. To innovate and diversify the program and save a lot more lives and taxpayers money, we need the State Government to commit to ongoing, longer-term funding. 

This month alone, Aspire received over 30 referrals within five minutes – a testament to the program's success and demand within the homelessness sector. 

However, challenges remain. Housing supply remains a persistent barrier, and without further investment in social and community housing, programs like Aspire will struggle to reach their full potential. While the program's success is undeniable, it further proves that systemic change is needed to integrate Housing First models into mainstream homelessness services. 

A call to action 

Aspire has proven that homelessness is not inevitable—it can be solved with the right approach. But we need your help to keep this momentum going.  

Whether you’re a policymaker, investor, business leader, or member of the community, there are many ways to support our mission: 

• advocate for the South Australian Government to commit to ongoing, long-term funding for the Aspire program 

• advocate for increased investment in creating or freeing-up social and affordable housing 

• support organisations like Hutt St Centre that deliver unique life-changing programs like Aspire 

• partner with us to create employment and training opportunities for people on their journey to homefulness. 

Together, we can build a future where no one has to experience the trauma of homelessness. Let’s keep the conversation going and work towards a South Australia where everyone has a place to call home. 

MOI Speech: Hutt Street Centre's Aspire Program - The Hon. R.A. SIMMS MLC - 5/2/25