Housing associations in Wales provide over 95,000 affordable homes (that’s 7% of all homes in Wales) to rent and buy to single people, families, older people, disabled people and homeless people. They can be found in towns and villages across Wales.
They employ 4,000 people and regenerate Welsh communities by investing in projects and people making a huge impact in terms of social, financial and environmental benefits.
Housing associations don’t make profits – any surplus they make is reinvested in homes, services and communities.
So far, housing associations have built over 2,500 homes to help people get their first step on the property ladder.
They build homes where needs are greatest and they ensure their homes are accessible, energy efficient, warm and sustainable.
They are run by boards whose members are volunteers and on average 25% of all members are actually association tenants.
Community Housing Cymru represents housing associations in Wales and is campaigning ahead of May’s elections to see the Assembly invest £223 million in providing new affordable homes. When combined with the private finance that only housing associations can access, this could see them deliver a half a billion pound annual investment in local communities.
Better housing is key to improving people’s lives. Better housing is linked to improved health, higher educational achievements, more training and job opportunities, additional sustainable development and it also helps to overcome poverty.
By investing in communities … housing associations in Wales change lives for the better.