Homes for Life marks 25 years at AGM
The past and the future were celebrated at a family event in the Tweeddale Arms Hotel in Gifford, followed by the organisation’s 25th AGM in September.
2023 marks the 25th Anniversary of Homes for Life Housing Partnership and the start of a new chapter for the organisation. The past and the future were celebrated at a family event in the Tweeddale Arms Hotel in Gifford, followed by the organisation’s 25th AGM in September.
Tenants, local businesses, partner organisations and representatives across finance, housing, construction and the community got together for an afternoon of food and fun. The organisation’s history was celebrated along with the winners of this year’s Tenant Gardening and Pots Competition whilst youngsters had unicorn and dragon balloons along with colourfully painted faces to remember the celebratory event.
Chief Executive Gill Binnie who took up the post in November 2022 said: “It’s a pleasure to celebrate our past and our future with our tenants and partners. This new chapter will see HfL investing in our Services, in our Homes, our People and our Future. We are committed as a locally based social landlord to assist in the delivery of good quality affordable homes which help our tenants and communities in East Lothian to thrive and flourish”
Jamila Greig, HfL’s Chairperson said: “To see how far we have come in 25 years is amazing, as a tenant myself I understand the changes that have happened over more than two decades and I am excited about the investment we are now making.”
In the last 8 months we have fully refurbished and re-opened our Offices in Haddington and have following extensive renovations brought back in to lettable stock 8 properties above our Offices for social rent, receiving heart-warming feedback from our new tenants.
“We are totally blown away with the flat. It has been decorated to the highest of standards,” said new tenant Mary Edmond. “The homes for life team are so nice and helpful which is amazing.”
Steven Laing said, “I am ecstatic with my new home. Great service from a friendly and helpful team”.
“Love the flat, couldn’t have wished for anything more. Homes for Life have been so supportive throughout the whole process”, said Lee Ness
“We plan to start new build development again soon to grow the number of properties we can offer” said Chief Executive Gill Binnie. “At the same time increasing the standard of the homes we offer and the bar in social housing”
Homes for Life was created in 1998 under the Scottish Government’s New Housing Partnerships initiative to build new homes in East Lothian. 277 properties were built over an eight year period. Homes for Life now owns 305 properties and under the direction of its new Chief Executive is ready to take the next step, upgrading the organisations existing properties to meet tenants and future customers housing needs and aspirations and recommence building new affordable homes.
Over a million pounds will be spent on the existing stock over this financial year and investment will be put in place to progress affordable housing development activity by Homes for Life in the coming years.