INISHOWEN voluntary and
co-operative housing bodies are celebrating news
they can now receive 100% funding for special needs
and sheltered housing projects.
Senator Cecilia Keaveney said these organisations
nationally would be freed up to fundraise for the
care of the vulnerable people they support rather
than having to raise money to meet the huge capital
costs of a new build.
“From November 1, 2007 all new building projects for
special needs accommodation, sheltered housing for
the elderly, the homeless, those with disabilities
and other special needs groups will be 100% funded
by the Government," said Senator Keaveney.
"Currently voluntary and co-operative housing groups
have to contribute 5% of the capital cost which
often presents a serious financial burden to these
groups and can restrict their work.”
Voluntary and co-operative housing bodies provide
and manage over 2,000 homes for people with special
needs and 5,000 units for the elderly.
Senator Keaveney added: “This move is aimed to
further support the vital and valuable work that
voluntary organisations do to assist the most
vulnerable in our society and our communities.”
Among those celebrating the news is the East
Inishowen Special Needs Company Ltd., who hope to
build a sheltered complex for 24 people with
intellectual disability as well as a day centre.
They will still depend on fundraising, however, to
run and manage the facility when it is constructed. |
