Respond is tackling the need in Waterford for quality housing for the elderly and young couples.
Respond, the first voluntary housing agency in Waterford, was founded by a Franciscan, Father Patrick Cogan in direct response to the housing conditions in the city.
Father Cogan says there were parts of Waterford where old people were living in run-down housing and also many young couples were living in conditions that were almost as bad.
At a total cost of £300,000 funded by donations, grants and loans, 15 single bedroom bungalows for the elderly were opened at Francis Court in Larchville, on a piece of land set aside by Waterford City Council.
Following the official opening on 4 October 1983, Francis Court was handed over to Waterford City Council which now owns and maintains the bungalows.
Father Cogan says the project came to fruition on the basis of cooperation,
It would never have worked really, without the cooperation of the Corporation officials, the City Manager and the local people.
Pensioner Molly Power is delighted with her home in Francis Court and she is enjoying her new environment immensely.
Tis new life to me.
Father Cogan hopes the scheme at Francis Court will be the first of many and the next project for Respond is to provide homes for young families who are finding it hard to get enough money together to buy a house. That scheme of 12 houses is to be built at Grange Heights and when completed, the young couples will own the houses themselves.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 November 1983. The reporter is Michael Ryan.
