You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
From the frontline - Anthony Kamara
Anthony Kamara, housing services officer at Metropolitan, talks about bridging the gap between residents and landlord
Tell us about your job
I’m the person who bridges the gap between residents and the housing association. I help people directly whenever I can – for example signposting them to agencies for advice on benefits, or making sure things like repairs or anti-social behaviour are sorted out.
How did you get into housing?
I spent 10 years in retail management but wanted to do something more meaningful with my life. I started studying for a degree in community development and leadership and, after that, joined Metropolitan, working at a supported housing scheme for young people at risk of becoming homeless. Later, I got the opportunity to move into my current role.
READ MORE
What is the best part of your job?
Achieving a good outcome for a resident. Recently, I helped a vulnerable resident whose heating and hot water had broken down. I kept in contact with the resident, our heating contractor and our customer services team to make sure the boiler was fixed quickly. It was great to see how happy and relieved the resident was when it was mended.
What’s the worst part?
When you’ve done everything possible to resolve a problem, but something outside of your control goes wrong. Sometimes there are situations where you think you’ve done everything right but fate intervenes to derail your best-laid plans.
What’s your dream job?
My mum works for the World Food Programme in Sierra Leone, where my family is from, and so my dream role would be in humanitarian aid at the UN.
What would you change about the housing sector?
Social housing is important, particularly with demand for it being so high. I’d like to see better collaboration between local authorities and housing associations to make sure it’s given to those who need it most.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
I would give better incentives to people who work in frontline jobs: care workers, nurses, teachers etc. Their work doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.
What’s the most private thing you’re willing to admit to your colleagues?
I met my wife 13 years ago at a dinner with a friend. She took my breath away and I was too nervous to eat. So I told everyone I was allergic to what was being served – okra, which I actually really like – and was starving! I only told my wife the truth two years ago.
