MA Housing hosts 500th home celebration and event for new tenants

MA Media Release, 21 February 2011 
Community housing provider, MA Housing, is holding a 500th home celebration and ‘welcome’ event for residents of its new housing developments in the Blacktown area at 12 noon on Monday, 21 February (details below).

The homes have been built as part of the Australian government’s nation building economic stimulus plan, and will be owned and managed by MA Housing. The houses are located across the suburbs of Seven Hills, Blacktown, and Lalor Park.

MA Housing’s 500th home was recently tenanted by Jennifer Morgan at the Seven Hills development. Ms Morgan, who signed her lease on 17 December 2010, says her new home was “the best Christmas present” she had ever received.

Ms Morgan had been renting in Sydney’s Lalor Park for seven years when her landlord decided to sell the home and gave her 30 days to vacate the premises.

Due to the severe housing shortage, Ms Morgan was unable to find any suitable places to live and was at serious risk of homelessness. Eventually, she found basic accommodation at the back of a suburban home, and there she lived without an oven and other important facilities for 18 months paying $250 per week.

Ms Morgan was elated when MA Housing called to offer her a brand new pet-friendly unit in Seven Hills. At the inspection she immediately accepted the home without having to give up ‘Tazzo’ – the little dog she had saved from the pound 13 years earlier.

“Since moving in, I now have enough money left over each week to do a proper grocery shop. The first meal I cooked in my new kitchen was a big traditional oven roast for my mother,” said Ms Morgan.

“I still pinch myself every morning to find I’ve woken up in my new home.”

MA Housing’s CEO, Andrew McAnulty, said these new developments are making a significant contribution in creating more homes for people on low and moderate incomes in Sydney’s west.

“Sydney has a significant affordable housing challenge. Thanks to the NSW and Australian governments these homes – and others being built around the state – are an important step in overcoming the issue,” said Mr McAnulty.

“Housing NSW should be commended for the design and quality of these new homes.

“MA Housing’s vision around these homes is to make a long-term and positive difference in the area. By providing good quality homes, more secure homes, more affordable homes we’re helping build stronger communities.”

Details:

• What: MA Housing 500th home celebration and ‘welcome’ for tenants of its new Blacktown developments.
• When: 12 noon to 1:30pm, Monday 21 February 2011
• Where: 33-38 Eighth Avenue, Seven Hills
• Who: Tenants for the new homes including Jennifer Morgan, MA Housing’s 500th tenant; Nathan Rees, State Member for Toongabbie; and Andrew McAnulty, CEO MA Housing.
• Interviews and photographs available with special guests and tenants.
• Media contact: Sally Popplestone 0415 547 626