As we begin 2025, it’s clear that the year ahead will bring significant change in the form of a federal election which will likely result in a new government and mounting global pressures will put pressure on our domestic agenda and finances. Despite these uncertainties, we must remain focused on addressing the deepening housing and affordability crisis – a challenge that affects millions across the country.

The reality is that incremental solutions are no longer enough. The latest housing survey shows that 22% of households in Canada were in core housing need in 2022. In the same year 245,900 households were on waitlists for subsidized housing options, two-thirds of whom had been waiting for more than 2 years.

To truly address the scale of this problem, we must fundamentally re-orient our housing system. We need to more than double the share of community housing in this country to provide the bold and transformative change we need to centre affordability for people and the wellbeing of communities. Our current strategies are falling short.

Consider the National Housing Strategy (NHS). While it was meaningful re-introduction of the federal government into housing, it lacks ambition; the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s 2024 report on federal housing spending highlights this. Despite substantial investments, the affordability gap for low-income households remains vast and the supply of truly affordable homes is not keeping pace with demand.

So, how do we move forward? The answer lies in our collective strength. We must come together as a sector. We need to generate innovative ideas and use our collective voice to advocate for stronger policy solutions. We must see our whole sector as central to the solution of the housing crisis; together, we can build the momentum needed to drive the change we need.

That is why CHRA is stepping into 2025 with the commitment and resolve needed to meet this moment.

In 2025, our advocacy work will be more member-driven than ever. We will need to work together to refresh our policy and advocacy priorities to match a changing political climate; this will require meaningful participation from you, our members.

We will also continue to be vocal advocates about the critical role that community housing plays from coast-to-coast-to-coast. To help us do that we need your stories. We need you to tell us about the impactful and innovative ways that you are helping your community so that we can share these with decision-makers, highlighting the potential our sector can deliver for people. Consider authoring a guest blog post to get your story out there (Contact Manager of Communications and Member Engagement Leah Blunden).

We’re also strengthening partnerships with like-minded organizations and allies to push for the transformative changes our housing system needs. By working closely and productively with others we can amplify your stories and ideas even louder.

But again, we can’t do it without you. Your input, ideas, and experiences are essential to shaping our advocacy.

So please, get involved and stay connected with us. If you’re not already a CHRA member, join now to help us make an impact. Follow us on social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, and X) and sign up for our newsletter. Join us in person at our 2025 Congress in Saskatoon and don’t miss our annual Housing on the Hill event. Finally, reach out to me directly about your policy and advocacy ideas (kenneth@chra-achru.ca)

Together, we can make 2025 a pivotal year for community housing. The challenges we face are significant, but so is our determination. By working together, we can create a Canada where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Let’s make it happen, together.