housing associations(in Britain) an organization that owns houses, flats/apartments, etc. and helps people to rent or buy them at a low price Culture: Housing associations also share the ownership of houses with people who cannot afford to buy a house on their own. Similar organizations in the US are called housing authorities and they receive advice and financial help from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. OALD. A non-profit-making body providing low-cost housing for people who cannot afford to become owner-occupiers, or cannot manage their own housing. Dwellings may be for rent, or for purchase on concessional terms. Housing associations in the UK are financed by a mixture of charitable donations, public funding and commercial borrowing. OE. They promptly referred her to a housing association which has found her a three-bedroomed house. LDOCE Alexander Demidov)
