Helping to end the housing crisis in north Kent
Our ultimate ambition is to help end the housing crisis in north Kent by providing safe and sustainable homes. As a leading housing charity, we work every day to create thriving communities, support people in housing need, and improve the lives of the people who live in our homes.
We provide and manage around 10,000 homes across north Kent, supporting more than 26,000 customers. With a dedicated team of over 300 colleagues, we are committed to delivering excellent services, investing in our homes and communities, and ensuring our customers are at the heart of every decision we make.
Our History
As one of the first housing associations to take advantage of the decision to allow councils to transfer their stock out of local government control, mhs homes had a challenging birth, but one that has given it a head start in tackling the south east’s growing housing crisis.
The transfer, which took place on 27 July 1990, was not made any easier by the fact that Medway Housing Society (as it was then called) took the unique approach of setting up as a non-registered body.
It was a controversial move, but one that gave us valuable freedoms that have made us Kent’s largest independent landlord and one that now enjoys ‘the best of both worlds’ after setting up our registered Heart of Medway subsidiary.
That independence has allowed us to put the customer at the heart of everything it does and take advantage of every opportunity to build new homes across the areas we serve.
One customer who was a tenant when the transfer happened said, they’ve raised four children, two boys and two girls, in the home and they’ve been happy with the service over the past 30 years. “If we ever phoned up with a problem it was dealt with,” they said.
Heart of Medway Housing Association was created in 2010 and registered as a Registered provider with The Regulator of Social Housing. By creating Heart of Medway, we were able to continue to build many new homes in North Kent, accessing government grants for development. Now, Heart of Medway has over 1,200 homes across North Kent, mostly new homes we have built plus homes which have been transferred to us from other Housing Associations.
What We Stand For
Everyone should have a decent home.
A good home provides the foundation for health, wellbeing, opportunity and independence. That is why we invest our resources where they can make the greatest difference, helping people live well today while creating sustainable communities for the future.
Our Strategic Priorities 2024/27
The focus of our current strategic plan is on six key priorities that will help us deliver our ambition and strengthen the services we provide.
Visible, Responsive and Caring Landlord
We are committed to delivering reliable services, responding quickly to customer needs, and being visible within our communities.
Safe and Sustainable Homes
We invest in maintaining, improving and future-proofing our homes so customers can live safely, comfortably and sustainably.
Listening, Learning and Acting
Customer feedback shapes the way we work. We listen carefully, learn from what we hear, and act on what matters most.
Community Champion and Partner of Choice
We work with local organisations, stakeholders and partners to strengthen communities and create opportunities for residents.
Safe, Inclusive and Rewarding Workplace
Our people are the heart of our organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels respected, valued and supported.
Well Governed, Well Managed and Financially Strong
Strong governance and financial resilience help us invest confidently in homes, services and communities for the long term.
Investing in Homes and Communities
We have been investing significantly in both existing and new homes to meet housing need across North Kent.
By balancing investment in housing quality, safety, sustainability and new development, we are helping more people access affordable homes while ensuring our current customers live in properties they can be proud of.
Our commitment includes:
Maintaining safe, high-quality homes
Improving energy efficiency and sustainability
Supporting building safety and regulatory compliance
Delivering more affordable homes for local people
Strengthening neighbourhoods and communities
Our Customers Come First
Customers are at the centre of everything we do.
We know the best services are designed with the people who use them. That is why we actively involve customers in shaping our services, listening to feedback, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
We are committed to being open, transparent and accountable, ensuring customers feel heard, respected and valued.
Our Values
Our PRIDE values define who we are and how we work.
Pride
We take pride in our work, our communities and our organisation.
Respect
We treat everyone with fairness, dignity and respect.
Inclusion
We celebrate diversity and create an environment where everyone can be themselves.
Driven
We are ambitious, proactive and committed to continuous improvement.
Empathy
We listen, understand and care about the people we serve.
Looking Ahead
The housing sector faces significant challenges, from increasing demand for affordable homes to rising expectations around quality, safety and sustainability.
At mhs homes, we see these challenges as an opportunity to make an even greater difference. Through investment, innovation and strong partnerships, we will continue working towards our ambition of helping to end the housing crisis in North Kent.
Together with our customers, colleagues and partners, we are building safe homes, stronger communities and better futures.