The Haven Foundation Program by Mind Australia addresses the needs of individuals with
severe, long-term mental health challenges by providing stable housing and psychosocial
support. Approximately 535,000 Australians (2% of the adult population) live with these
conditions, leading to social isolation, homelessness, and high hospitalisation rates. This
analysis quantifies the economic value of the program and its potential expansion.
The Haven Foundation model:
▪ Long-term secure housing for adults with severe and enduring mental health
issues: high-quality apartments in small-scale facilities with communal areas
▪ 24/7 Psychosocial Support: Assistance with daily living, medical appointments,
crisis intervention, and other issues provided by trained on-site staff from Mind
Australia
▪ Financial Model: Residents contribute via their Disability Support Pension (DSP)
or Commonwealth Rental Assistance (CRA), while psychosocial support is
funded through the NDIS or provided gratis by Mind.
The analysis shows that Haven’s supported housing model provides substantial economic
and social benefits:
▪ Total National Benefit: $26.3 billion net present value (NPV), with a benefit-cost ratio
(BCR) of 2.21 from expanding Haven nationally.
▪ Net benefit of current scenario (without expansion): $40.4 million NPV. BCR of 1.22.
▪ Largest Beneficiaries: Carers, homeless individuals, and people with mental health
challenges in prison.
▪ Hospitalisation Reduction: Decreased emergency admissions and hospital stays.
▪ Reduced Criminal Justice System Costs: Lower interactions with police, courts, and
prisons.
▪ Better Life Outcomes: Increased stability, community participation, and improved
physical and mental health.
▪ Economic Impact and Cost Savings: The current cost of inaction (not providing Haven
services) exceeds $15.5 billion per year, including health, policing, social housing, and
carer costs. Providing Haven facilities could lead to significant cost reductions and
improved life outcomes.
Conclusion: The Haven Program is a cost-effective, evidence-based solution to support
individuals with severe mental health conditions. Its expansion could generate substantial
economic and social benefits while improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations
in Australia.
Key recommendations
Expansion of Haven Facilities: Additional funding and policy support are needed to expand
the program nationally.
NDIS Policy Adjustments: Ensure funding aligns with the episodic but persistent nature of
severe mental health conditions.
Interagency Collaboration: Coordination among health, housing, and justice departments
to optimize outcomes.
