Recognizing the need for an effective and efficient institutional mechanism for achieving the objectives of ‘Housing for All’ in urban areas, AWAAS (Odisha Urban Housing Mission) was launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha on 11th October, 2015. The Government of Odisha has accorded top-priority to 'AWAAS - Odisha Urban Housing Mission' at the state level. The Government, further envisaged creation of District Urban Housing Societies (DUHS) to provide additional managerial and technical capacity to the Odisha Urban Housing Mission, at the district level. 30 DUHS have been setup in 30 districts and one at Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation. DUHS is responsible for ensuring the implementation of 'HFA Policy for Housing for All in Urban Areas of Odisha, 2015' and other directions of OUHM and H&UD Department, Govt. of Odisha.

As an integrated directorate of H&UD Department, OUHM will take all policy decisions and undertake necessary administrative and legislative measures to implement the policy. OUHM will also function as the State level Nodal Agency (SLNA) for implementation of central government schemes. It aims to create surplus housing stock through different strategic development models and ensure shelter for every identified homeless in the state including temporary migrants, through provisioning of permanent residential EWS & LIG units, as well as rental housing. OUHM comprises of the following committees / components for according decisions and undertaking appropriate actions for the smooth implementation of this policy and other government schemes related to housing in urban areas.

At the State level, the OUHM has a High Level Committee (HLC) headed by the Chief Minister of Odisha and a State Level Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (SLSMC) headed by the Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha.