Funding from Trust Horizon set to transform heating for Community housing

72 vulnerable Eastern Bay residents will soon be living in warmer and drier homes, thanks to a $100,000 grant from Trust Horizon.

 Tauranga Community Housing Trust (TCHT) applied for the funding, and on March 25th received approval for a grant totalling more than 40% of the total project cost. The funds from Trust Horizon will go towards fitting all 72 homes with a heat pump, and upgrading 55 electrical switchboards. 

 As a community housing provider, TCHT isn’t required to meet the healthy homes heating standards until July 2023. However, Trust Horizon’s contribution means the organisation has been able to fast-track the project, and now aim to install the heat pumps as soon as possible. “We’re extremely grateful for and humbled by the grant,” says TCHT General Manager, Jacqui Ferrel. “This is a significant project, and the size of the Trust’s contribution means we can start improving as many houses as we can, as quickly as we can.”

 TCHT purchased the 72 one-bedroom units from the Whakatāne District Council in 2017, as part of their mission to provide housing to those with a serious need. Since purchasing the units, TCHT has undertaken a series of major upgrades to ensure they provide a healthy environment for low-income tenants well into the future. 

 Having already fitted the homes with new insulation and moisture barriers, heating was TCHT’s next priority. “The majority of the homes’ tenants rely on superannuation or health-related benefits,” says Ferrel. “It’s important we support their health and wellbeing – particularly those who suffer from respiratory conditions. We hope that warm, dry, healthy homes will mean fewer doctors’ visits, and improved health outcomes across the board.” After exploring a number of heating solutions, heat pumps emerged as the most efficient and cost-effective solution. 

 “We’re really pleased to be able to contribute to improving TCHT’s local community housing, which will fundamentally improve the lives of some of the Eastern Bay’s most vulnerable residents,” says Trust Horizon Trustee, Merrin Stables. “For tenants, particularly those on a fixed low income, the combination of reduced power bills and warmer homes will make a real difference.”

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