Aspire wins national award
We are thrilled to announce that the Aspire Program has been honoured with the 2025 Impact Enterprise of the Year award at the Annual Impact Investing Awards in Sydney. This prestigious recognition underscores the program's significant contributions to addressing chronic homelessness in Adelaide.
Launched in 2017 as Australia's first homelessness-focused social impact bond, the Aspire Program was designed to provide long-term support to individuals impacted by homelessness. The program offers stable accommodation, job readiness training, employment pathways, and life skills development. Central to its approach is the 'Housing First' model, which prioritises securing permanent housing as a foundation for addressing other challenges. Participants benefit from the dedicated assistance of 'Navigators' who help them connect with support services and achieve their personal goals.
Over its initial term, the Aspire Program supported 575 individuals, with 81% securing housing and 85% maintaining their tenancies. Participants also experienced significant reductions in their use of crisis services, including a 29% decrease in hospital admissions, a 33% reduction in convictions, and a 73% decline in emergency accommodation usage. Additionally, 41% of participants were supported into secure employment.
The program's success has led to continued funding from the South Australian Government, ensuring its operation until at least mid-2027. This ongoing support reflects the program's effectiveness and its integral role within the broader homelessness service system.
Receiving the Impact Enterprise of the Year award is proof of the dedication of everyone involved in the Aspire Program. It highlights the power of innovative, collaborative approaches in creating lasting social change and solidifies our commitment to supporting individuals impacted by homelessness.
