Our roots are steeped in history. Arawak is named after the Arawak Indians who travelled from their homes in South America to the Caribbean islands and who are symbolised on Jamaica’s coat of arms.
However, it was Walton Housing Association that started the original journey in 1978, in the home of the Nello James Centre in Whalley Range. It organised a range of activities in support of the local African Caribbean community, including a day nursery, advice centre, educational support, social groups and housing support. By 1990 Walton Housing Association had 65 homes in the area.
In answer to the Moss Side riots, Arawak Housing Association was created thanks to the vision of the inspirational Louise DaCocodia, who with a group of friends was passionate about satisfying the housing needs of the maturing African Caribbean Community. In 1987 Arawak Housing Association registered with the Housing Corporation and appointed Louise as its first chair. Anchor Housing Association supported the association initially to develop a sheltered housing scheme, Bougainvillea Gardens in Longsight.
In 1994, Arawak merged with Walton Housing Association to become Arawak Walton Housing Association. The association has grown and prospered over the years by offering an excellent, culturally sensitive and personal service to its very diverse residents.
With its roots in the African-Caribbean community, Arawak Walton continues the work of its founders in contributing to local regeneration activities and continues its commitment to tackling social deprivation. The Association also works with partner agencies to improve community cohesion by creating sustainable, multicultural neighbourhoods.
Cool Timeline
Our Chair and Chief Executive have both been recognised for their commitment to improving homes and communities. Our Chair, Evelyn Asante-Mensah was recognised with the Change Maker in the Community Award and our Chief Executive, Cym D’Souza was ranked 28th in the 24Housing Power Players top 50 list which recognises…Read More
Arawak Walton Extended its property portfolio in Stockport with the addition on 8 new properties on a brand new development, the Heatons.
Handover of Sycamore Court from Anchor, new Manchester area.
On 13th August 2013, Arawak Walton Housing Association celebrated the pioneering achievements of its founder members by unveiling a plaque at the Association’s head office. The plaque features the names of the founder members of Arawak and Walton Housing Associations and was unveiled by one of the founding members, Mrs…Read More
• Evelyn Asante-Mensah becomes Chair. • We appoint our very first Apprentice.
The video tells the stories of many of our residents who we have housed over the past year. Their stories confirm what it means to become a tenant of Arawak Walton. We are so proud of the work our staff do and how it changes peoples’ lives for the better.
The Association celebrates its 25 year Anniversary. Handover of Birch Court and Daisy Bank Court from Anchor (900th property).
The aim of the local offer is to move Associations towards co-regulation’ where the expectations are set centrally and interpreted in more detail at association and tenant level. Read our local offer from April 2011
