Limerick has over thirty voluntary housing associations each providing a range of housing, welfare and care services to elderly residents and those with disabilities and other disadvantages. Towns and villages such as Ardagh, Athea, Bruff, Broadford, Croom, Doon, Drombana, Dromin/Athlacca, Glin, Kilteely, Knocklong, Murroe and others have well established associations doing excellent community work, often unrecognised, with little or no external assistance in their endeavours.
These associations have traditionally managed their projects on a voluntary basis and independently of each other. In 2007, following research undertaken in association with Limerick County Council, the ICSH and The County Limerick Voluntary and Community Housing Forum, a clear need was identified for a support organisation to be set up to assist and strengthen the voluntary housing effort in the county.
Faced with an ageing body of volunteers, increasing regulation and growing legal responsibilities a decision was made to form The County Limerick Housing Services Company as a cooperative umbrella organisation to deliver a range of support services to prospective members. These services included health and safety procedures, legal and accounting support, maintenance services, management and regulatory information, house inspections, help with rent arrears and with a range of day-to-day problems for member associations. The company also provides a readymade safety net for any association in default through lack of voluntary management or other unforeseen circumstances.
In promoting collaboration between active housing associations in the county the company facilitates best practice in housing services and governance with special regard to health, regulation and safety matters.
These associations have traditionally managed their projects on a voluntary basis and independently of each other. In 2007, following research undertaken in association with Limerick County Council, the ICSH and The County Limerick Voluntary and Community Housing Forum, a clear need was identified for a support organisation to be set up to assist and strengthen the voluntary housing effort in the county.
Faced with an ageing body of volunteers, increasing regulation and growing legal responsibilities a decision was made to form The County Limerick Housing Services Company as a cooperative umbrella organisation to deliver a range of support services to prospective members. These services included health and safety procedures, legal and accounting support, maintenance services, management and regulatory information, house inspections, help with rent arrears and with a range of day-to-day problems for member associations. The company also provides a readymade safety net for any association in default through lack of voluntary management or other unforeseen circumstances.
In promoting collaboration between active housing associations in the county the company facilitates best practice in housing services and governance with special regard to health, regulation and safety matters.
