Ongo achievements in 2020

Despite a challenging year, Ongo are going into 2021 celebrating, after one of their most successful 12 months to date.

Some of their key highlights include building 221 new homes for affordable rent, shared ownership, rent to buy and outright sale, introducing new community initiatives, having their governance rating upgraded and still providing vital services throughout the pandemic.

Financially, they have remained strong with a V1 rating, allowing them to not only stay a top employer in the area, but has also meant they could introduce a range of new, tailored support options to help their tenants through the lockdown.

More than 10,500 food parcels have been delivered between March and December, to tenants who otherwise would have struggled, over 37,000 safe and well calls have been made, keys to new homes have continued to be handed over and around 12,000 repairs carried out.

Their Employment Support team supported over 500 people with advice and helped 179 into work or training. And their mental health service, Ongo Talk has supported more than 140 individuals since March, making it their busiest year yet.

Steve Hepworth, Chief Exec at Ongo said: “This year has been tough for us all, but I am so incredibly proud of the amazing work that has been achieved, in spite of lockdowns, restrictions and having to quickly adapt and change our services to make sure we kept ourselves and our tenants and customers safe.

“For me one of the biggest achievements has been reaching our 10,000^th home, it was a monumental moment which was great to be a part of. This, along with the continuation of support, community spirit and togetherness has been fantastic.

“We are of course looking forward to a much more positive 2021, with hundreds of new homes being built, including the completion of the regions first dementia care scheme.  We have lots of improvement work planned in for many of our existing homes and as always there will be lots of brilliant things going on in our neighbourhoods.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to our colleagues and tenants, and I hope to see lots of you in person next year.”

To find out more about Ongo and their homes, projects or services, follow them on social media or go to: www.ongo.co.uk.