Local representatives engage with housing associations in Derry-Londonderry
Politicians this week visited Apex Housing Association and Habinteg Housing Association to gain insight into the social housing sector in Derry-Londonderry.
Delegates at the local event, aimed at encouraging greater engagement with housing associations, heard how associations are successfully providing homes and services to meet a wide range of local needs in the city.
Staff, tenants and service users from two housing associations, Apex and Habinteg, discussed the added value services they offer in addition to their landlord functions and investment in the local community. Participating in the road show event, SDLP MP Mark Durkan, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan, Mayor Brenda Stevenson, SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly and Sinn Fein Councillors Eric McGinley, Sandra Duffy and Patricia Logue a saw a number of housing schemes including Apex’s Celia’s Walk, Ballymagowan and Rinmore schemes, as well as Habinteg’s Farland Way scheme and community garden.
Commenting on the positive engagement Jennie Donald, Deputy CEO at NIFHA said:
“Housing associations in Derry-Londonderry are building homes, investing in communities and changing lives. With social purpose, the right people and access to finance, associations have the potential to deliver transformative change, but we need political and community support to make this a reality. The key to real and lasting benefits for our communities is genuine engagement and partnership approaches. Working together we can provide great homes and create thriving communities.
NIFHA is the voice of housing associations in Northern Ireland. We represent the 26 registered housing associations, promoting their work and lobbying for an operating environment that supports them to deliver great homes and thriving communities.”
Ends
Note to Editors
- NIFHA is the industry body responsible for promoting, representing and supporting the voluntary housing association movement in Northern Ireland
- Housing associations manage 38,000 homes comprising general needs, specialist and supported accommodation and support 7,000 shared ownership households.
For all media queries or interviews, please contact Stephen McGrath on 028 9034 7310 or mobile 079 8947 5561 or email [email protected]
