Celebrating 19 years of Ongo

This year, Ongo is celebrating 19 years of supporting people and communities across North Lincolnshire and beyond.

Ongo was formed in 2007, originally as North Lincolnshire Homes, following a tenant‑led stock transfer from North Lincolnshire Council. Nineteen years on, the organisation has grown into the area’s largest housing provider, supporting thousands of people with safe, affordable homes and a wide range of services designed to help them thrive.

Since becoming Ongo in 2013, the organisation has continued to grow its offer. Today, Ongo owns and manages more than 10,000 homes across Greater Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire and surrounding areas, with all profits reinvested back into local communities.

Over the past 19 years, they have delivered hundreds of new homes, helping to meet local housing need while also focusing on regeneration and placemaking. Projects such as Westcliff and Belton have transformed neighbourhoods, creating safer, more welcoming places to live, with improved green spaces, community facilities and a mix of affordable housing options.

Alongside building new homes, they continue to invest heavily in existing properties. Each year, millions of pounds are spent on repairs, maintenance and safety improvements, including new kitchens and bathrooms, fire safety works and energy efficiency upgrades, helping ensure homes remain safe, comfortable and fit for the future.

Sustainability has become an increasingly important part of Ongo’s work. The organisation has committed to becoming net zero by 2050 and has already delivered carbon‑neutral homes, as well as large‑scale energy efficiency projects that help reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills for tenants.

Their work goes far beyond housing alone. Over the last 19 years, the organisation has supported thousands of people through employment and training opportunities, mental health support, homelessness services and financial advice.

Community grants, tenant events and engagement activities continue to play a key role in strengthening neighbourhoods and keeping residents at the heart of everything Ongo does.

As a social business, Ongo operates a group of housing, commercial and community‑focused companies, all working towards the same goal – reinvesting locally and creating positive, lasting impact for the communities they serve.

Steve Hepworth, Chief Executive at Ongo, said: “Reaching 19 years is a really proud moment for Ongo. It’s a chance to look back at what’s been achieved, but also to say thank you to the tenants, colleagues and partners who’ve been part of that journey. Everything we do is about people, and we’re excited to keep building on this as we head towards our 20th year.”

To mark the anniversary, Ongo will be celebrating throughout the year, sharing stories from tenants, colleagues and communities, and reflecting on the journey so far while looking ahead to the future.

To find out more about Ongo, visit www.ongo.co.uk