About Us
At Cowichan Housing Association (CHA), we believe permanent, adequate, suitable, affordable housing is foundational to individuals, families, and communities. We are committed to facilitating and developing permanent affordable housing opportunities within the Cowichan Valley.
Through community development, research, and programming which incorporates housing loss prevention strategies, we work to increase permanent affordable housing options and to reduce homelessness throughout the Cowichan Valley.
Our History
Cowichan Housing Association (CHA) is the outcome of preliminary work by the Regional Affordable Housing Directorate (RAHD), a committee created under Social Planning Cowichan (SPC). Initially, the RAHD began researching affordable housing and homelessness prevention in the region. After the release of the 2010 Affordable Housing Strategy, developed by SPC, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) invited the RAHD and SPC to consult with the community regarding affordable housing. One of the main recommendations arising from these sessions was the formation of a new association to implement project ideas found within the report. This led to incorporation of CHA in 2015.
In 2018, establishment of the CVRD Regional Housing Service was approved by public referendum. Bylaw 4201 was adopted by the CVRD to provide an annual financial contribution to assist CHA with costs associated with providing programs and services related to affordable housing and homelessness prevention in the Cowichan Valley.
On April 11th, 2018, bylaw 4201 was adopted, establishing the the Regional Housing Service and CHA was entrusted to oversee this service.
Our Strategic Priorities
Based on the needs of the Cowichan Valley, and the mandate of CHA, three strategic priorities have been identified. All involve activities that aim to strengthen the ability of the community, to develop and create permanent affordable housing.
Our Work
We work to build community capacity for increasing affordable housing by:
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Providing funding to help promote the development of permanent affordable rental housing
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Providing research and data
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Enabling connection and facilitating collaboration between relevant groups/organizations
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Helping individuals maintain or gain housing through housing loss prevention and homelessness reduction programming
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Promoting innovative solutions to permanent affordable rental housing development challenges and issues surrounding people experiencing varying degrees of homelessness within the Cowichan Valley.