HFA awards €250,000 in funding to community projects around the country
The Housing Finance Agency awards funding for community initiatives through its Social Investment Fund.
The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) has announced funding of €250,000 to support Approved Housing Bodies and Local Authorities in the delivery of community-enhancing initiatives and facilities.
Funded projects include play spaces and community gardens, wellbeing and biodiversity programmes and the refurbishment of community hubs. Twelve initiatives across eight different counties in total were chosen.
The HFA, which provides financing to support the delivery of social and affordable housing, awards community project funding to customers each year through its Social Investment Fund.
The aim of the fund is to support initiatives that will complement the communities in which HFA-financed homes are built.
Announcing the funding awards, Housing Finance Agency Interim CEO, Fergal O’Riagain, said:
“We had great interest in our Social Investment Fund this year, with a range of creative and well-thought-out applications coming from over thirty customers across the country. This year, I am delighted to see the funding awarded to so many deserving initiatives, such as eco-friendly playgrounds, exercise and leisure activities for senior citizens and an apartment courtyard makeover for social housing tenants.
The HFA is committed to supporting customers, not just in the delivery of housing, but also in the enhancement of communities around those homes with this fund. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts these latest projects deliver for local residents.”
Brian O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Clúid Housing said:
“Great communities are about so much more than building great quality homes. That’s why Clúid is delighted to receive support from the HFA Social Impact Fund for two of our projects. In our scheme in Cullenbeg Park, Mountmellick, Co. Laois, the funding is providing a community garden and play area, so local children have a safe place to play as well as raising awareness of biodiversity from a young age.
The Fund will also support the delivery of the Social Housing Voter Education Programme. This programme was piloted by the Belmayne Community Group in the north county Dublin scheme, and aims to encourage residents in Clúid schemes across the country to participate politically in their local communities, countering voter apathy. While these two projects are very different, they highlight the multi-faceted nature of building strong communities. We commend the HFA for their continued investment in homes and communities across the country.”
Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community said:
“Galway Simon Community are delighted to have received funding from the Housing Finance Agency’s 2024 Social Investment Fund. The funding will be used towards the development of the outdoor community amenity space in our new development for older people or people with reduced mobility in Galway City. The outdoor amenity space is seen as vital for the health and wellbeing of all residents of the development.”
Sean O’Connor, CEO of Tuath Housing said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded funding from the Housing Finance Agency’s Social Investment Fund for the development of a unique, eco-friendly playground at Clare Village. This initiative, which has garnered tremendous support from local residents, will provide a safe and engaging outdoor space for children to play.
Our goal is to create an environment that promotes physical activity, well-being and a sense of belonging. This natural play area will be a focal point for the entire community, strengthening ties and improving the overall quality of life for the residents of Clare Village. We are extremely grateful for the HFA’s Support in helping us to bring this vision to life.”
Social Investment Fund Shortlist 2024