Housing stories from Canadians
The strategy is more than just policies and programs. It’s people working together to build better lives, create stronger communities and lend a helping hand to people in need.
New app connects users to housing and essential services
HelpSeeker serves 200 communities and is expanding across Canada with help from CMHC.
Rebuilding Vancouver’s Black Community
CMHC, Hogan’s Alley Society and other partners are reimagining this historical area.
Community revival offers model for older apartment buildings
Through urban renewal, SNAP meets environmental and social objectives through gardens, nature and community involvement.
Scholarship winner studies link between overdoses and housing
BC’s overdose epidemic worsened by COVID-19, increases need for safe supply and delivery for substance users.
Independent living for people with developmental disabilities
Chorus Apartment’s innovative and replicable approaches are helping people and their families gain independence.
Intentional housing model proves robust in face of pandemic
The Co:Here housing development used an agile approach to protect the health and safety of their community.
New development helps Calgary resident navigate mental health challenges
Horizon View provides affordable housing and supports for vulnerable Calgarians.
New affordable housing options for students in Montreal
Non-profit group and student union collaborate on an innovative financing model for Concordia students.
Healing begins at home
Historic housing investment set to help more Canadian families.
Award-winning study reveals importance of safe, supportive housing for LGBTQ2S youth
Canada’s first transitional housing program meets needs of LGBTQ2S youth in Toronto.
Private rooms provide space to heal and plan for the future
Demonstration project documents the positive impact of a lockable door on a journey to recovery.
Local developer tackles hometown housing crisis
Seven-storey multi-residential complex adds 70 units to Summerside’s housing supply.
Housing facility helps more people with acquired brain injuries
Sudbury project expansion accommodates additional 12 residents
Award-winning research designs better homes for northern communities
Community engagement was key to developing housing designs that address housing, lifestyle and cultural needs.
Veterans housing provides holistic approach to healing
On-site counselling and meditative gardens among healing supports at new transition house for veterans.
Mapping Solutions to Youth Homelessness, Charting a Brighter Future
Innovation Project maps youths’ journeys in and out of homelessness and aims to identify better opportunities to support them along the way.
Shipping containers address housing shortage
Learn about how members of a First Nation in Tofino B.C. have addressed the housing shortage with converted shipping containers.
Re-creating affordable housing in New Brunswick
Fire gives way to re-birth of affordable seniors housing facility in Paquetville.
The art of affordable housing
Artspace adds artist housing to the mix in Winnipeg.
Lived experience improves housing accessibility
R-PATH founder Cathy Birch and Toronto Community Housing improving quality of life with accessible housing.
The architecture of healing
A new shelter for women and children in Nova Scotia is designed to support recovery and mental wellness.
A supportive sanctuary for women
Emily found help and healing through the kindness of support staff at Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver.
Personal and professional goals make the difference
Trainer Mélodie Tremblay works with First Nation housing professionals during a year-long Housing Manager Program.
Renovation funding transforms Toronto co-op
Milliken Co-op used to struggle to keep residents. Now they get regular phone calls from people wanting to move in.
Tiny homes build dignity and respect
An innovative path to community and independence for people experiencing homelessness in Whitehorse.
Fisherman’s son builds homes for small communities
Nova Scotia developer Peter Polley builds affordable housing for people and families he can relate to.
First Nation youth in Ontario re-imagine housing
The next generation of housing leaders gathered to share and learn about housing maintenance and design.
From a place of learning to a place of healing
A single mother finds peace and opportunities at a transitional home built on the site of a former elementary school.
Diverse residents build intentional community
Co:Here in Vancouver is a living space that benefits from residents who are willing to contribute and support each other.
Home improvements build community pride
Upgrades to homes at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation bring neighbours together.
Generous women help build transition home’s history
Autumn House in Amherst, Nova Scotia is a great example of women helping women.
A home that helps residents get back on track
A new affordable housing facility in Trois-Rivières caters to people with clear goals for their lives and careers.
Youth organization adds housing to the mix
Youth Opportunities Unlimited in London, Ontario expands to include housing and on-site services for young people.
Mixed-income community a far cry from the streets
Life in a safe and supportive building allows a transgender woman to focus on studies in Vancouver.
Housing manager courses meet growing demand
Online and in-person training opportunities can change a housing department and the entire community.
Tiny home team balances green tech and affordability
Public and private partners are working to build one of Canada’s first eco-villages of tiny homes in Okotoks, Alberta.
Housing internship grad transforms community office
An internship program for First Nation and Inuit youth helps one young man launch his construction career.
Partners share vision for affordable homes
Public and private sector organizations are working together to build a new accessible development in Belleville, Ontario.
Montreal transitional home helps drug users heal
After completing treatment, a Portage II resident gives back by helping her peers re-enter the job market.
Montreal co-op celebrates 30 years of community
A Milton Parc resident reflects on her time at the co-op and the joy of giving back.
West Coast townhomes celebrate culture and environment
Nuutsumuut Lelum is Nanaimo’s first affordable housing development for families in 20 years.
Little things make big impact for the environment
Taking small steps in the construction process helps a London, Ontario developer be more environmentally friendly.
Trailblazing councillor promotes affordable housing
Lindell Smith grew up in affordable housing and wants to ensure that others in Halifax have similar opportunities.
Construction grads breathe new life into shipping containers
Tofino Container Housing Project graduates bring innovative affordable housing to Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
The story behind Karen’s Place
A well-known family in the Ottawa area helped fund a new housing development for people with mental illness.
An affordable home in the heart of St. John’s
A downtown Newfoundland church creates affordable housing for seniors, youth and people with intellectual disabilities.
Community leader pays it forward
Ana was a shy young mother when she moved to her Montreal neighbourhood. Now she helps other families feel at home.
Passive housing in Nova Scotia keeps rentals affordable
Mike Yari’s company uses passive housing design to lower heating costs by up to 80%.
Historic graduation for First Nation housing managers
Fourteen professionals complete a first-of-its-kind certificate program to improve housing in First Nation communities.
The new face of affordable housing in Bella Coola
Nuxalk Nation’s Jalissa Moody saw a need in her community and spearheaded a new kind of development.
Close-knit community focuses on families in Saskatoon
Saskatoon’s Westgate Heights provides affordable housing and deep community to help people improve their lives.
New era for major Montréal housing development
When Bâtir son quartier purchased Les Habitations Le Domaine, it gave this vibrant community a new lease on life.
New supportive housing for women and children in Moncton
The YWCA-developed facility combines stable housing, affordable childcare, community activities and learning opportunities.
Diverse people and programs come together at Storeys
Every resident living at Richmond’s Storeys housing complex has a story to share at this inclusive, supportive community.
Families welcome at domestic violence shelter
Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory will give survivors of domestic abuse the option to heal with their closest relatives.
First permanent shelter in Tri-Cities makes immediate impact
Operated by Coquitlam’s RainCity Housing, 3030 Gordon Avenue gives residents the stability needed to rebuild their lives.
New Life for a 1950s Quebec Development
Community organizations, tenants and all levels of government are working together to rejuvenate a Laval neighbourhood.
First Nation youth lead housing discussions
A recent forum in Winnipeg invited youth to share best practices and explore innovative solutions to housing needs.
New housing for people living with HIV and AIDS
Saskatoon’s Sanctum Care Group opens The Beehive, combining hospice care with housing for people affected by homelessness.
Affordable housing for seniors, by seniors
A seniors’ co-op in Brandon is already building their second affordable housing development.
Local craftsman lays foundations for a stable future
Dave Gillis and his team build homes for people living with mental illness and recovering from addiction.
Seniors develop new skills and build community at housing co-op
Quebec’s Havre du Petit Village has a unique approach to community-building.
Hockey arena becomes production hub for tiny houses
Long Plain First Nation combines local labour, compact design and an off-season hockey rink to address their housing shortage.
Fighting fire, abuse and addiction
An emergency shelter that burned down in 2014 is back in business helping families in the community.
First Nation internship program builds homes and careers
To address unemployment and home maintenance needs, Malahat First Nation is becoming a hub for on-the-job construction training.
Beautiful, accessible redesign for Parkland Seniors’ Lodge
98 year old Els Folkinga hopes to celebrate her 100th birthday in a state of the art seniors home in Edson.
Creative housing for people with intellectual disabilities
An affordable housing entrepreneur combines a social work scholarship program with new technologies and old-fashioned neighbourliness.
Career change results in affordable housing for Waterloo Region
Dan Driedger of MennoHomes left a high-paying job to create quality rental housing for low-income singles and families.
Doors open on first long-term home for LGBTQ youth in Canada
Pride Home in Saskatoon provides stability and mentorship for youth at risk of homelessness.
Habitat for Humanity builds 150 homes for Canada’s birthday
The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project brought together thousands of volunteers for a whirlwind week in July.
A new housing option for people with traumatic brain injuries
A Quebec City residence is changing people’s lives with affordable, accessible, age-appropriate support.
Container housing and training at Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Community members in northern Tofino learn to transform shipping containers into energy-efficient and affordable housing.
Supporting the walls to strengthen Mulgrave Park
Residents of an affordable housing project in central Halifax celebrate new funding to fix crumbling retaining walls.
Electrician training program fills 37-year gap
Pre-apprenticeships in Sachigo Lake First Nation boost youth employment options and address the community’s electrician shortage.
From school to shelter to transformed lives
A former elementary school in Gatineau gets new life as safe and secure transitional housing for women and their children.
More builders, more benefits for families in Fort William
Local hiring soars and efficiency improves as several small builders collaborate on a new subdivision near Thunder Bay.
Fast, affordable and flexible housing solution in Vancouver
An innovative new modular housing development will move between city-owned lands based on local needs.
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