Six families on low incomes will soon move into their new rental homes in Nelson, marking a milestone for them and the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust, which developed the homes.
The homes on Tōtara St are a mix of two, three and four bedrooms and were blessed at an opening celebration today. Their completion brings the trust’s number of homes to 60, and it plans to build another 60 over the next four years.
“It’s a wonderful milestone, being halfway to our goal of 120 rental homes, ‘’ says Nelson Tasman Housing Trust director Carrie Mozena. “But it’s an even bigger milestone for the families who will be moving into these homes: for them it is an opportunity to gain a warm, comfortable, affordable home, where they can live long-term and put down roots.’’
“We know that our homes have a positive impact on people’s health, well-being and peace of mind. Our research also shows that having a secure home can help children with education and help adults secure employment.’’
The homes are earmarked for people on the Public Housing Register, because the development has received funding from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. The new tenants include people who have been living in emergency and transitional housing, and unsuitable housing in the private sector. The tenants will move in mid-November.
The homes are designed to be energy-efficient and have photovoltaic panels to reduce the cost of power. They were built by Jennian Homes Nelson Bays.
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Photos from today's opening celebration: Nelson Mayor Nick Smith and Nelson Tasman Housing Trust board chair Andrew Wilson plant a tree; guests mingle and make the most of the coffee cart provided by Jennian Homes Nelson Bays, which built the homes; and Nelson Tasman Housing Trust director Carrie Mozena outside the homes.