Modernization of websites for Flemish housing companies

The Flemish Housing Agency (VMSW) plays a crucial role in supporting social housing companies (SHMs) and social rental agencies (SVKs) in Flanders. Previously, VMSW managed around 60 websites for housing companies. With the restructuring into 40 separate housing companies and the integration of the VMSW and Woonnet websites into the Flemish government website, managing these websites became a new challenge. Therefore, it was decided to seek an external partner for hosting and managing the housing companies' websites.

Paddle.be was selected to take on this task, aiming to provide a user-friendly platform based on Drupal 10, suitable even for those without technical expertise.

The Need

The primary reason for the transition was the desire to optimize website management by engaging a specialized external partner. "We used to manage the websites for VMSW and Woonnet ourselves, which provided opportunities for the housing companies and social rental agencies", explains Lieve De Waele. "Now that these websites have been integrated into the Flemish government website, the old system has been phased out. We chose to find a new partner for the housing companies." In addition to the websites previously managed by VMSW, the new platform was also opened to housing companies that had not previously used VMSW's services. These companies could and still can voluntarily join the project, gaining access to a modern and secure web platform with extensive functionalities.

Paddle.be was chosen for its user-friendliness and the extensive features it offers, including various design templates and a wide range of modules.

The Solution

Paddle.be provided a comprehensive service package, from the initial analysis to the launch of the websites. The project included the development of two design templates that provided uniformity while allowing for customization. "Several providers submitted bids, but Paddle stood out in terms of capabilities and user-friendliness", says De Waele. The templates included standard modules such as news, FAQs, and a web form module, and a specific module for project information was also developed.

One of the biggest challenges was the tight deadline: "It was a close call, but we made it", says De Waele. Thanks to the collaboration with Shana, the project manager from Paddle.be, all 17 websites were launched on time. Shana's involvement and patience were repeatedly praised: "Always with a smile and willing to do a lot, which deserves recognition."

The Result

The project successfully migrated and launched 17 websites for Flemish housing companies, including:

• www.dijledal.be 
• www.vivus.be
• www.woonpijler.be
• www.woonboog.be
• www.woontrots.be
• www.wm-impuls.be
• www.devoorkempen-he.be
• www.wpz.be
• www.woonkade.be
• www.woonstart.be
• www.woonsprong.be
• www.hetvlaamsewoonanker.vlaanderen
• www.denoorderkempen.be
• www.woonschakelbergennete.be
• www.woonmee.be
• www.providentia.be
• www.zetus.be

These websites now meet modern security standards and offer extensive functionalities. Moreover, the housing companies can customize and expand their websites with additional modules and features.

The partnership with Paddle.be, particularly Shana's role, was highly appreciated. "The collaboration was excellent. The editors are also very satisfied", says De Waele. As the housing companies have grown, some now have a communications officer or staff member responsible for the website, which further facilitates communication and adjustments.

Conclusion

With the transition to a new CMS platform, VMSW and the involved housing companies have laid a solid foundation for the future. The websites are now modern, secure, and easy to manage. While the transition required some adjustment from the editors, the positive feedback and opportunities for further expansion have clearly demonstrated the project's benefits. The success of this project shows that with the right partners and a clear vision, even complex transitions can be successfully executed.