Yesterday’s welcome event for residents of MA Housing’s Blacktown development in western Sydney was made extra special when Jennifer Morgan arrived.
Jennifer is the proud tenant of MA Housing’s 500th home – a milestone celebrated at the gathering in Seven Hills that included Nathan Rees, State Member for Toongabbie, and Andrew McAnulty, CEO MA Housing.
Jennifer, who signed her lease in December, said her new home was “the best Christmas present” she’d ever received. She has since settled into the unit with her dog Tazzo, who she saved from the pound 13 years ago.
Before receiving the keys from MA Housing, Ms Morgan was desperate to find safe and affordable accommodation for herself and Tazzo. She has 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 a suitable – and pet-friendly – place 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.
She was elated when MA Housing called to offer her a brand new pet-friendly unit in Seven Hills. She immediately accepted the home on first inspection.
“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,” she said.
“I still pinch myself every morning to find I’ve woken up in my new home.”
To celebrate becoming MA Housing’s 500th tenant, Mr Rees and Mr McAnulty presented Ms Morgan with a bunch of flowers, a gift voucher and a photo of herself and Tazzo.
MA Housing – which is part of Mission Australia – has recently taken handover of 35 new homes in the Blacktown Local Government Area, which will provide quality housing for individuals and families.
Located across the Sydney suburbs of Seven Hills, Blacktown, and Lalor Park, they have been built as part of the Australian Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, and will be owned and managed by MA Housing.
Mr McAnulty said that these new developments are making a significant contribution through the creation of more homes for people on low and moderate incomes in Sydney’s west.
“Sydney has a significant affordable housing challenge,” he said. “Thanks to the NSW and Australian governments, these homes – and others being built around the state – are an important step in overcoming the issue.
“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.”
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