This year we celebrate 125 years of Southern Housing. We’re proud to mark an incredible milestone in our history and reflect on the people and communities that have shaped who we are today.
This anniversary is an opportunity to look back on everything that’s been achieved over the last 125 years, while looking ahead to the future and the difference we’ll continue to make in people’s lives.
Our story began in 1901, when philanthropist Samuel Lewis left money in his will to establish a charitable trust dedicated to providing housing for people in need. Today, we proudly trace our roots back to the Samuel Lewis Housing Trust and while much has changed over the last 125 years, our social purpose remains the same - providing safe and affordable homes that support people’s wellbeing and help communities thrive.
We now provide more than 80,000 homes, supporting residents in general needs housing, older residents living in Independent Living schemes as well as care and support, students and NHS staff in reduced rent accommodation, and people taking their first steps onto the property ladder through shared ownership.
"Over the past 125 years, we’ve adapted to changing times, responded to new challenges and continued to evolve to meet the needs of the communities we serve."
I believe Samuel Lewis would be incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. The charitable purpose he set out remains at the heart of everything we do, and as a not-for-profit organisation, every penny we receive is reinvested into our homes and services. From the first estate of 151 flats at Liverpool Road in Islington to the 80,000 homes we provide today, his vision continues to guide us.
Together, we’ll focus on delivering on our new Strategic Plan so, we can continue investing in homes and services for future generations and celebrate many more milestones in the years ahead.
Thank you for being part of Southern Housing’s journey