CHF BC is the central voice for housing co-operatives in BC.
We represent and advocates for more than 260 housing co-operatives in British Columbia.
This includes over 30,000 co-op members living in almost 15,000 co-op homes in 32 municipalities across the province.
Our Vision
Our advocacy work is guided by our vision to grow an inclusive community of sustainable and permanently affordable co-operative housing in BC.
Leading the way
Our work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a safe, secure home they can afford.
We work in partnership with federal, provincial, and municipal governments to strengthen and expand co-operative housing as part of a broader system that supports housing stability, economic security, and community wellbeing. Our focus is on practical, implementation-ready solutions that respond to the lived realities of the people we serve.
Our advocacy efforts are based on some key guiding principles:
Equity and Inclusion
Our work is grounded in a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation. We recognize the ongoing impacts of systemic inequities and colonialism, and prioritize approaches that improve access to safe, affordable housing for communities most impacted by system inequities, including community-led “for Indigenous, by Indigenous” initiatives, and work in partnership to advance self-determination, culturally grounded solutions, and meaningful inclusion.
Community Leadership and Voice
We are committed to co-operative values of democratic participation, shared responsibility, and accountability. We believe that the people most impacted by housing challenges must be at the centre of shaping solutions. Our work is guided by the principle of “nothing for us without us,” and we actively create space for co-op members, partners, and communities to inform and lead decision-making.
Collaboration and Systems Impact
We work in partnership with co-ops, non-profit organizations, and governments to advance coordinated, cross-sector solutions. We recognize that housing outcomes are interconnected with income security, safety, and community supports, and we advocate for integrated approaches that strengthen the overall system.
Prevention and Stability
We believe that the most effective housing solutions prevent crisis before it occurs. Our work focuses on stabilizing existing communities, supporting long-term housing and affordability, and reducing displacement through targeted investments and policy changes that improve housing security and well–being.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
We are committed to sustaining and growing co-operative housing as a long-term public asset. Through partnerships with government, we advance models that ensure lasting affordability, clear accountability, and measurable outcomes for communities over time.
Sector Leadership and Alignment
As a community housing sector, we speak with a unified voice through Housing Central, in partnership with the BC Non-Profit Housing Association and the Aboriginal Housing Management Association. Together, we advance shared priorities and strengthen collective impact.
Municipal Advocacy
We have worked successfully with municipal governments across the province to support existing co-ops and develop new ones.
Provincial Advocacy
We have worked with the provincial government to advocate for legislation and funding programs that support affordable housing, including many programs that co-ops benefit from directly.
Federal Advocacy
We support our partners at the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada with federal advocacy efforts.
Community Housing Fund
In Feburary 2026 the BC government cancelled promised funding for the Community Housing Fund and slowed funding of the Indigenous Housing Fund.
We’ve created a toolkit to help CHF BC members take action to make their voices heard regarding these cuts. Use these resources to contact your representatives, share why this is important on social media, and start engaging conversations.