Housing , or more generally living spaces , refers to the construction and assigned usage of houses or buildings collectively, for the purpose of sheltering people — the planning or provision delivered by an authority , with related meanings. The social issue is of ensuring that members of society have a home in which to live, whether this is a house , or some other kind of dwelling , lodging , or shelter . Many governments have one or more housing authorities , sometimes also called a housing ministry, or housing department.