The Coop was founded by John Essene, a 23 year UCLA student who created our student-led Cooperative to make a college education possible by providing students with an affordable place to live and thrive. Since it's inception in 1937, the Coop has continued to grow and develop. 

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UCHA was the first student housing to integrate in segregated Los Angeles, and has continued to provide affordable access to a college education to students from every walk of life, and from every part of the globe.

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UCHA has served over 70,000 members in its 88 year history, and continues to grow and develop, both as an organization and as a mission.​

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We are a non-profit, student-led Cooperative. Our member-students live at the co-op.​ It is they who elect the Board of Directors, which makes policy decisions and plans for the Co-op’s long-term health.

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The members also elect the Membership Committee (Mem-Com), which oversees our elections, membership status, room selection and parking availability.  ​

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Our members are supported by several full-time employees, including our Executive Director. They are responsible for managing the Administration, Maintenance and Food Sevices to ensure the smooth running of the day-today operations and life of the Coop.

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