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29/04/2009
Foundation Laid For New Housing Association
Despite continuing recession and a hard-hit construction industry, Northern Ireland's newest housing association has enjoying a formal launch today.
NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, (pictured) was at Malone House in south Belfast to officially announce the foundation of the Alpha Housing Association.
It has been formed out of the amalgamation of Abode and Presbyterian Housing Associations. The new association inherits a stock of some 950 social houses for rent spread across 36 individual schemes.
Welcoming the merger, Minister Ritchie praised the work of the two former housing associations and said: "This is a new chapter in the life of our ever evolving social housing movement.
"Abode and Presbyterian Housing Associations have both been successful in their own right and have made a very real difference to the lives and well being of a great many people.
"However, change and challenge require new thinking and the Boards of both housing associations are to be congratulated for having the foresight to amalgamate the strengths of their respective organisations," she said.
"The new association will be stronger and better placed to exploit the opportunities that lie ahead," she concluded.
Past and present Chairmen of Abode and Presbyterian Housing Associations, Walton Balmer, Wesley Parker and Ross Evans are also attending the event and reflect on past achievements.
Like many local housing associations, both organisations have a Christian ethos and the new name reflects its biblical origin, but is also a means by which Abode is Linked to Presbyterian Housing Association.
(BMcC/JM)
NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, (pictured) was at Malone House in south Belfast to officially announce the foundation of the Alpha Housing Association.
It has been formed out of the amalgamation of Abode and Presbyterian Housing Associations. The new association inherits a stock of some 950 social houses for rent spread across 36 individual schemes.
Welcoming the merger, Minister Ritchie praised the work of the two former housing associations and said: "This is a new chapter in the life of our ever evolving social housing movement.
"Abode and Presbyterian Housing Associations have both been successful in their own right and have made a very real difference to the lives and well being of a great many people.
"However, change and challenge require new thinking and the Boards of both housing associations are to be congratulated for having the foresight to amalgamate the strengths of their respective organisations," she said.
"The new association will be stronger and better placed to exploit the opportunities that lie ahead," she concluded.
Past and present Chairmen of Abode and Presbyterian Housing Associations, Walton Balmer, Wesley Parker and Ross Evans are also attending the event and reflect on past achievements.
Like many local housing associations, both organisations have a Christian ethos and the new name reflects its biblical origin, but is also a means by which Abode is Linked to Presbyterian Housing Association.
(BMcC/JM)
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A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
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04 May 2016
Fold And Helm Housing Associations To Merge
Two housing associations in Northern Ireland are to merge. The merger, between Helm and Fold Housing Associations, is subject to final approval in September 2016. The new organisation is expected to be in place by early 2017.
Fold And Helm Housing Associations To Merge
Two housing associations in Northern Ireland are to merge. The merger, between Helm and Fold Housing Associations, is subject to final approval in September 2016. The new organisation is expected to be in place by early 2017.
05 April 2013
NI 'Can't Afford' Bedroom Tax
Changes to housing benefit planned by the UK government will cost Northern Ireland more money than it will save, according to new figures. The new 'Bedroom Tax' is part of the Conservative government's welfare reforms, which seek to save money and help cut Britain's deficit.
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07 July 2011
Builders Get Major House Building Boost
A substantial Co Antrim housing scheme has been launched this week proving much needed good news for the beleaguered construction sector. Stormont Social Development (DSD) Minister Nelson McCausland has officially started the new £18.5m family housing development in Lisburn.
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05 March 2010
Housing Association Achieves Excellence
One of Northern Ireland's largest housing associations has been presented with its Customer Service Excellence Standard. Helm Housing (previously BIH Housing) is the first housing association in Northern Ireland to achieve this accolade, which was presented by Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, (pictured, on site).
Housing Association Achieves Excellence
One of Northern Ireland's largest housing associations has been presented with its Customer Service Excellence Standard. Helm Housing (previously BIH Housing) is the first housing association in Northern Ireland to achieve this accolade, which was presented by Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, (pictured, on site).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
