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
• Moss Side – refurbishment of 25 homes transferred to us from Arcon Housing Association and Mosscare Housing in 2008. • Trafford six three-bedroom and four-bedroom homes were built in partnership with Adactus. • Taken management of three large family homes in Lostock for Trafford Housing Trust.
Project called ‘Sustainable Ways to Work’ and is for residents seeking training, employment and business support. The purpose of the project was to help tenants locate courses and training to help them into work. Over 50 tenants used the service.
• New properties on Golborne Avenue. • 2 big family homes in Withington (new area) are handed over to tenants.
We established a tenants quality panel to ensure our standards are high and the tenants considerations are taken into account.
Our tenant satisfaction survey confirms improved satisfaction rates in all areas with percentages in the top national quartile levels. We become BME lead RSL in Stockport. Our turnover tips over £3m.
• Andrew Forbes takes over as Chair. • We win Charter Mark for third time. • We hold our first tenants’ consultation event. • We appoint our first in-house maintenance technician.
10 years since the merger. Our largest allocation to date, St Gregory’s School, a mixed development of 49 units is completed in the year. We are invited to compete for a Manchester stock transfer competition.
• Winsome Brown becomes new Chair. • First new development in Cheetham Hill is completed, the scheme is opened by Lord Mayor, Councillor Roy Walters. • Bougainvillea Gardens, scheme manager celebrates 10 years in service
• Turnover tips over £2.2m with an asset base of £27m • First allocation in a new area • Cheetham Hill will see 14 homes being built around landmark St John’s Church • We win Charter Mark for the second time.