Homes and jobs saved as housing association closes

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing

Sixty-five homes and eight jobs have been saved after York Housing Association agreed to take on the operations of Tuke Housing Association, which is winding up after 40 years.

York HA stepped in after Tuke took the decision to close due to a lack of volunteers on its management committee. It will now take on the management of the Scarcroft Project, which employs eight people and provides independent living and support to young people leaving care.

YHA will also take on the management of 65 homes and apartments, including city centre properties such as the Grade II listed Friargate House.

York Housing Association Chief Executive, Julia Histon said "Tuke HA has been run by volunteers and provided a much needed and highly valued service to the York community.

"However, it has become increasingly difficult for Tuke HA to attract new members to join the management committee and in particular fill the officer positions of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

"A huge amount of responsibility comes with running a housing association, and we are delighted to have been asked to take on their staff and properties.

"Tuke is one of those organisations that works quietly in the background.  It has helped a large number of people in all sorts of housing need to have a home that better suits their needs."

Tuke was formed in 1971 by a group of Quakers to develop Tuke House on the site of the former Bishophill Burial Ground and has since provided social housing projects in York.

Ginnie Shaw, Chairwoman of Tuke HA described the handover as "bittersweet".

She said: "So many people have contributed so much of their own time and energy freeely to the benefit of others.

"Nevertheless, we are pleased that York Housing Association has agreed to take on the responsibility of our operations and safeguard the services that we have been providing."