LHA London Ltd

Who we are

LHA London provides affordable accommodation for young working people and students living in Central London. LHA London operates 14 Central London hostels providing nearly 2000 bed spaces. LHA London provides accommodation in the boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Camden, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Islington. A structure of 83 paid staff and over 170 volunteers provide support services.

LHA London offer accommodation services which provide a steppingstone to enable young people to advance their careers and education, whilst meeting the reasonable needs and enhancing the well-being of residents. In addition, LHA London will develop a concept providing even more affordable accommodation for less well-off beneficiaries, possibly outside zone 1 and 2 but within the M25.

Our culture and values

At LHA London, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. The cost of accommodation should never be a barrier for young people who wish to study or work, and achieving their goals should not require living in poverty. As a charitable organisation, we offer paths to independence for young people by operating 14 properties that provide affordable student and youth accommodation in London. These include both long-term and short-term options, all at inclusive rates. Additionally, we create safe and relaxed, affordable hostels and accommodation for students where well-being is prioritised. This allows young people to fully enjoy their lives, build new friendships, and gain lifelong experiences. We also alleviate the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment, giving residents the confidence to explore London and its many adventures.

Our History
LHA London was initially created to provide shelter for those made homeless by the Blitz, offering high-quality accommodation since 1940. On the 5th of November, 1940, the Government set up the London Hostels Association Ltd (LHA) and appointed a 'Council of Management' to manage and provide hostels for the homeless. The Council sought buildings capable of housing about 50 people each, requiring basements or other spaces that could serve as bomb shelters—which posed challenges amid nightly bombing raids. Despite these hardships, Mrs Churchill opened the first hostel in January 1941, a mere ten weeks after the company's formation. Accommodation cost £1 per week, plus an additional shilling for Saturday and Sunday meals.

By the end of 1942, there were 33 hostels accommodating around 700 people, many of whom had been brought to London for war-related job roles. By the 1950s, the number of hostels decreased, with most residents being young people recruited from the provinces for government jobs. This remained the case until the 1970s, by which time there were 17 hostels. Today, LHA is a charity guided by a voluntary Board of Trustees. We now operate 13 large hostels, catering to all young people in need of affordable accommodation while they work or study in one of the world's greatest cities.

As a charity and one of the Capital's leading and affordable accommodation providers, we run 13 properties in the heart of one of the world’s most diverse and energetic cities providing a central and safe base for young people to live their London life – whether that’s for work, study or adventure.

We also enable young people to make new connections, learn about different cultures and create lasting memories.
 

Our Vision
To be a leading provider in the charity sector of secure, low-cost accommodation in London.

Our Mission
To relieve poverty by acquiring, establishing, maintaining and managing secure, affordable accommodation of young people of limited means working or studying in Central London.

Our Charitable Object
The relief of poverty by provision of, acquiring, establishing, maintaining, managing and conducting hostels to provide low cost living accommodation for students and working people of limited means studying or working in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to further any charitable purpose recognised by English Law by the provision of housing.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

LHA London Ltd. is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents, staff, and stakeholders. We recognise that diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and we strive to ensure that everyone feels valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of what we do and central to the social impact that we deliver and the outcomes we strive to achieve.

Our Social Impact – “Accommodation young people can afford makes Central London more accessible to all young people, sustains diverse communities and enables sustainable livelihoods.”

Our Outcomes – “Through our places, programmes and activities, we create environments where people gain new experiences, foster friendships with one another, improve their well-being and develop a sense of belonging.” 

Underpinned by our ‘People Values’, we are guided in everything we do and recognise that being a diverse and inclusive employer that is representative of our society, helps our purpose to provide accommodation that is safe, secure and affordable. We will continue to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people.

We seek to work in partnership with our residents, volunteers, staff and stakeholders to create and deliver services that meet their needs and offer value for money. We work within the spirit and the practice of the Equality Act 2010 by promoting a culture of respect and dignity whilst actively challenging discrimination.

We will continue to support our board and committee members, leaders, managers and employees to demonstrate the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in their everyday activities, roles and functions.