History

• Housing associations have existed in the UK for over a century, beginning in local social housing projects undertaken by large employers. Many voluntary groups have formed housing associations to assist their target groups, such as the Metropolitan Coloured People's Association, which formed in the 1950s to provide housing for West Indies immigrants coming to London.
  
  

Function

• Although the exact goals and purposes of the various housing associations differ, the primary function is usually to provide affordable housing to one or more social groups, such as the elderly, the infirm or the unemployed. Some housing associations, usually those who have taken over the management of former council flats and houses, have a wider remit still, providing affordable social housing for the local communities they serve.
  
  

Geography

• Although some groups work on a more regional level, managing housing stock across what would traditionally be several council's areas, housing associations are predominantly local organisations. Each region of the United Kingdom has one or more housing associations, each of which looks after its own housing stock and pursues goals it sets itself.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Although they provide housing in a similar manner to how local councils have provided council houses in the past, housing associations are not part of the council. They are instead independent organisations that often work alongside the council but are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Similarly, housing associations do not receive government funding as councils do and must earn their income through renting their properties to tenants.
  
  

Non-profit

• Because housing associations are non-profit organisations, any funds raised through the collection of rents is used to maintain their current housing stock or to build new housing stock as necessary. Furthermore, if any money is left over after these essential functions are undertaken, that money may be used for community regeneration schemes.