Foras Voluntary Housing Association

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Note: Website still under construction

What is Foras?

FORAS is a community owned not-for-profit independent voluntary housing organisation. It is registered with the Department of the Environment ( Reg No. 6742) and the Charities Commission (Reg. No. 466370). Registered address: 16 Maudlin St, Kells
Co Meath

Foras's AGM was held on Saturday March 6th 2010 at Knightsbridge Hotel, Trim. The new Board was elected and the members discussed the formation of the new Housing Association.

FORAS:

  • is run by 9 board members;


  • is not run for profit and no dividends are paid out. Any surpluses made are spent on improvements to homes;


  • is focused on the provision of social housing and associated social infrastructure.



WHAT ARE FORAS'S AIMS?
FORAS' main purpose is to provide and manage affordable homes for people who need them.
FORAS has also adopted the following aims and objectives:-

OUR MISSION IS TO DELIVER QUALITY HOMES WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE

KEY OBJECTIVES


  • Our tenants will enjoy a good quality, healthy and well-maintained home.


  • We will deliver a service that is affordable and gives value for money.


  • We will value our customers and protect their rights and entitlements.


  • We value our Staff and provide them with the support & training they need to meet our promises.


  • Our customers will have a real say in the running of their service.


  • We will make our services fair and accessible to all.


  • If transfer takes place, the Board would have overall responsibility for managing the homes. The Board is:-


Michael Holst - Chair A consultant Structural Engineer based in Dublin. Educated at St Benildus College Kilmacud and trinity College Dublin. Michael has a wide knowledge of construction and his input on practical problems associated with construction are invaluable.

Martin McGovern - Vice Chair - A graduate of Queens University Belfast and NUI Galway where he completed a Masters in Community Development and currently works for Edinvar Housing Association. Martin is a founder member of the Association.

Patty Kyne - Co Secretary - Educated at UUC, Patty is a Special Needs teacher in Galway where she lives. She is keen to see good housing throughout the rented sector catering for young families.

Jimmy Peppard - Board Member and former elected representative for Trim Co Meath. Jimmy has a keen understanding of local government structures and is focused on providing housing for those in housing need both locally in Trim and throughout the Country.

John Kenmuir - Board Member based in the NE John has experience of working with special Needs charities and particularly the Camphill Community. John has worked as a surveyor for NE Lincolnshire Council and understands the power voluntary housing associations can wield in solving social exclusion.

Jenny Spence - Board Member - specialist working in HR Jenny brings her expertise to the board and experience of working for a Housing Association.

Pia Wennell - Board Member working in the Housing Sector Pia is a founder member of the Association who specialises in co ownership housing, Pia was educated at Sussex University in England, and worked in Dublin while living in substandard privately rented housing.

Maria Green - Board Member - a Teaching Assistant working in a local school in Co Meath with a particular interest in housing for young people in areas where high costs often lead to children living far from their family and friends.

Ben Garry - Board Member - a local businessman in Co Meath who brings has business acumen to bear on the Board, and a keen view of the essentials for social justice that includes good standards of housing.


WHO ARE FORAS'S PARTNERS?
Foras VHA is currently working to enter into a long lease with our Developer Partner, PK Developments to manage 67 properties in Dublin, and is working with Dublin City Council to house families in need.

PK Developments Ltd. is a private developer who is an experienced contractor and developer in the greater Dublin area.

Also Foras is working with our appointed architects DK Architects Ltd. to obtain planning permission to construct 60 new homes on the Commons Road development in Meath County Council. Foras is working with Meath County Council Planning and Housing Officers to house families in need.

We also hope to announce several more schemes in the near future.

Once the leased and new build properties are ready for occupation, the housing management service will be managed by our Housing Management Contractor Oscailte (HMTS) Ltd. Oscailte is a newly formed specialist housing management & training organisation

Foras will enter into a three year contract with Oscailte (HMTS) Ltd to deliver a high quality housing service with locally based staff in Dublin. The housing management service will be delivered from Foras' new office located in Usher Quay, Dublin.

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