Housing Our University Student Equitably

Canadian non-profit student housing developers, researchers and advocates creating affordable housing for post-secondary students.

Federally Incorporated Non-Profit

Curbing the Shortage of Housing in Canada

In Canada, we have a massive housing shortage for students and young people; we know that the cost of living in Canadian cities is now deemed unaffordable.  

Rising rents in cities push post-secondary students and young people to the brink. Students, unlike any previous generation, pay more for rent, tuition, and the cost of living. Current funding programs largely exclude students and/or student housing designs. The lack of affordability causes a plethora of issues; students report the need for multiple jobs, having skipped meals to save on rent, and some students even experiencing post-secondary student homelessness (PSSH).

Every student deserves the right to a barrier-free education at any stage of their development. HOUSE is committed to working with our student activists, Canada's university student unions, and social impact development partners to make affordable student housing possible; we've already started with creating affordable housing committees on different campuses; we've curated student housing resources, and we are partnering with development partners to build co-operative student home residences.

See our survey and research reports.

Work with us to establish an affordable housing committee on your campus

See our Student Tenant and University Living Resources

Partner with us on our next development project

By the Numbers

“In Canada, the Student Population pays rent 25% higher than the rest of renter households.”

77% of student tenants do not receive parental assistance with their rent. Across Canada, most student renters (62%) have an income of $20,000 or less.

Building and Developing the Non-Profit Way 

Inspired by the UTILE non-profit housing model.

HOUSE works uniquely with Canadian university student unions to establish housing committees and secure funds to build co-operative student housing residences on campus.  

HOUSE plays a crucial role as an intermediary between developers, management, and student unions. This allows each party to focus on their respective areas of expertise while working towards a common goal of building a cooperative community.

The co-operative housing model is a proven and popular method of counteracting rising rental rates, greedy landlords, and unpredictable fluctuation sin the economy. Student Unions that partner with HOUSE own their properties, allowing equitable ownership of the housing development with long lasting high quality controlled by students for students. 

Woodnote Residence - UTILE Development in Quebec - Co-operative student housing.

Our Method

HOUSE follows a methodical process of working with students and student unions to pass a student levy referendum campaign. This campaign, where a small contribution (5-10%) from students helps build affordable housing on a rotating capital, is a prosperous and secure formula. To learn more, you can see our recent and past projects.

Our model is bulletproof in political, economic, and social security. HOUSE is a reliable partner for post-secondary institutions, development partners, and democratic.

Step 1: Partner with HOUSE to develop affordable student housing

Step 2: Student Levy-Fee Referendum Campaign

Step 3: Secure Land + Land Financing

(if land is not provided)

Step 4: Design & Planning Approvals + Secure Green Building Grants & Non-Profit Development Fee Waivers

Step 5: Construction +

CMHC Construction Financing

Step 6: Establish Housing Co-op + Resident Intake & Occupancy

Get Involved

Students, Experienced Professionals, or Recent Graduates. Join our HOUSE team today by applying to one of the following options. We are always looking for driven, thorough, and interested individuals passionate about housing affordability and community-oriented development.

How can you work with us?

  • Could your university campus have more housing options? Anywhere that is close to your classes, so you reduce your commute time?

    Then send us your proposal projects. The name of your university, location and we'll start scouting the area for future development.

    Send us an email at info@housecanada.org

  • Social impact leaders, experienced professionals, and socially conscious investors, if you are looking for the next career break that makes a difference, look to HOUSE. We are looking for managers, investors, and developing partners to create more rental co-operative properties, and we want to work with you to make it happen.

    Let's schedule a call

  • If you are an undergraduate or graduate student passionate about community and culture, volunteer with HOUSE. At HOUSE, Volunteers have the option to be split into our three core sectors: research, advocacy, and development. If you are looking to enhance your research skills, find a cause to get fired up about, or start practicing those business skills, this opportunity is for you.

    Please send us an email to info@housecanada.org to apply

    Let us know which sector you are interested in and why you'd like to join our team.

    *Open spots on affordable housing committees are available to students for specific campuses. Email to find out if you are eligible.

  • It's hiring season, HOUSE is looking for professionals to join our fall team.

    Please see our career page for more information.