A SKIBBEREEN charity bought six houses in the city and county of Cork where families were unable to cover mortgage costs and were at risk of repossession.

The purchases of Carbery Housing Association (CHA) were financed by a commercial loan from the Housing Finance Agency and AIB Bank, and supplemented by standing loans from the two councils.

CHA is negotiating additional loan financing and the purchase of 17 more properties in Cork under this program.

The purchases of three other properties are blocked due to financial charges on their titles on the part of the two Councils.

This is due to the fact that they were purchased under the Affordable Housing program, where the Council supported private owners in purchasing their homes.

“Unless these fees are waived, these residents will not be able to benefit from the safety net of rental mortgages and could face repossession,” said Jose Ospina, CHA president.

The group was formed in 2001 at the initiative of local Baltimore residents, who felt that vacation home development was pushing home prices beyond the reach of locals. Their mission statement is to: “Develop and provide housing and associated amenities, for a range of households excluded from the housing market, on the basis of a partnership with local authorities and community organizations, and aimed at a high level. energy efficiency and sustainability. ‘

CHA also announced the publication of tenders for its renewable energy project REDWoLF, which it is progressing alongside its project partner, Cork City Council. The project aims to equip social homes with solar panels, solar batteries, storage heaters and smart meters, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels, as a means of combating climate change.

“Ultimately, many other existing properties will need to be improved in this way, if Ireland is to meet its CO2 reduction targets,” said Jose. The REDWoLF project is partly funded by a grant from the Interreg North West Europe program, SEAI and loan funding from Clann Credo, the ethical finance body.

CHA will hold its general assembly on Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

More details are available at carberyhousing.eu/events.