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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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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 rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
