The Growth of CAHAL

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By September 1977, CAHAL had grown into a medium-sized Housing Association with 240 units under management. The Association had let 111 properties, after repairing and modernising the facilities. They had 86 ‘New Build’ units and 43 ‘Short Life’ properties under licence and managed five additional units on behalf of Birmingham Family Housing Association. Of the 240 units, 130 (54%) were in Caldmore.

In 1977 CAHAL opened a hostel for women at risk and this was followed by homes for people with mental health needs and people with learning difficulties.

The increasing number of properties managed by CAHAL together with more rigorous procedures for acquiring a property and a more complex system for grant applications, meant that more staff were required. Employees’ roles became specialised and sectionalised within three departments: Development, Finance, and Housing. Communication systems needed to be developed, and a central management structure was required to have an overview of the organisation. In April 1977, the Management Committee agreed to adopt the standard staff structure for Housing Associations and Barrie Blower was offered the post of Director. Larger premises were also required and CAHAL moved to 39 Caldmore Green during February 1978.

On 13th November 1980, the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened Wollaston and Jervis Courts; at that time the largest development for single people outside of London. This was the culmination of over five years’ work by CAHAL from first identifying the land at Lower Rushall Street in June 1975 to the creation of 107 flats for single people in September 1980.

 

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