Welcome from Project Director, Damian Collins

Canada is committed to progressive realization of the human right to adequate housing. However, many low- and moderate-income households across Canada struggle to afford housing, especially in the private rental market. In this challenging context, community housing is more essential than ever. Community housing is owned and operated by non-profit organizations, governments and co-operatives. It includes social housing, in which rents are set at or below 30% of tenants’ incomes. 

Currently, community housing accounts for 3.5% of all housing in Canada. There are widespread calls for community housing to be prioritized in Canada’s quest to build more homes more quickly. Many organizations are advocating for the country to double its stock of community housing, from 655,000 units to 1.3 million units, as quickly as possible. Community Housing Canada conducts research with and for the sector to ensure that the renewal and expansion of community housing is adequate, sustainable and effective in addressing the needs of Canadians, especially vulnerable households. I am proud to direct this partnership as we work to strengthen Canada’s housing landscape, and ensure that the human right to housing is respected, protected and fulfilled. On behalf of all of us at Community Housing Canada, thank you for taking the time to visit our website and learn about our work.

The National Housing Strategy identified community housing sustainability as a priority area for action, as part of a broader commitment to prioritizing the housing needs of the most vulnerable Canadians within a human rights-based framework. 

 

Our research partnership was established to work with and for the community housing sector to create and mobilize knowledge that contributes to its sustainability and resilience. To pursue this goal, we created five research clusters:

INCREASING ADEQUATE SUPPLY

ADDRESSING HOUSING VULNERABILITY

ENHANCING BUILDING ENERGY INNOVATION AND CO-BENEFITS

DEEPING SOCIAL INCLUSION

UNDERSTANDING LABOUR IN AND FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING