Habinteg was founded in 1970 by leading figures from the Spastics Society (now known as Scope). |
In 1973, the first tenants moved into our first scheme, in Moira Close, Haringey, with Prime Minister Edward Heath performing the opening ceremony.
By 1979, Habinteg had established itself as the leader in its field, with integrated housing schemes across England, from Kent to Middlesbrough and from Peterborough to Liverpool.
Within six years, Habinteg had doubled in size. It completed more than 800 new homes during the 1980s, as it loosened its links with the Spastics Society and became a truly independent housing association.
Another 670 homes were completed in the 1990s, including 172 built for wheelchair users. In 1991, Bert Massie, a Habinteg tenant who was later to chair the Disability Rights Commission, became the first disabled member of our management committee/board of management.
Another important step during the 1990s was our development of Lifetime Homes standards - the idea that new dwellings should be easily adaptable to allow a wheelchair user to live in them if necessary.
Today, Habinteg is established in all England's Housing Corporation regions and has a scheme in Wales and sister associations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. During 2000, it completed its 2000th home.
We now have 2,120 homes, of which 530 were built specifically for wheelchair users and the rest to Lifetime Homes standards.
In September 2006, Baroness Chapman of Leeds was appointed Chair of Habinteg's Board.
Please click below to download a pdf version of The Habinteg Story.
