Working in housing can often feel like a thankless job. There aren’t rings awarded for completing education like there are for engineers, nor special jackets to showcase our role to the world. While some of us in the sector may proudly hold the title of Doctor, it’s not a given. (Although, I must mention, after working at CHRA for a specified time, employees there do receive a Housers badge. That might just be better than a ring!)

When we think about the future of community housing in Canada, moving toward a more professionalized sector is undoubtedly a positive step. However, it’s crucial to examine the how and why of this shift. Professionalization shouldn’t be about ticking off boxes to give the appearance of doing all the “right” things. It’s not about collecting letters behind your name just for the sake of it. Instead, it’s about fostering a cohesive sector built upon robust professional standards – standards such as those embraced by members and learners of the Chartered Institute of Housing Canada (CIHC).

These standards are grounded in principles of integrity, inclusion, ethics, knowledge, skill, advocacy, and leadership. While it might be tempting to treat these principles as a checklist, professionalization goes much deeper. It’s not merely about compliance; it’s about commitment.

Professionalizing the sector means embracing lifelong learning. It requires continuously examining your biases, acknowledging your privilege, and using it to uplift those who lack it. It means surrounding yourself with a community of housers who share this commitment – individuals who will support you, hold you accountable, and call you in or out when your actions fall short of these principles.

Equally important is the effort to stay informed and engaged with what’s happening in other organizations, provinces, and cities. Joining organizations like CHRA or CIHC can facilitate these efforts, providing access to resources, networks, and opportunities for growth. Pursuing educational courses can help deepen your understanding of the housing sector while ensuring your practices are trauma-informed and culturally competent.

Professionalization is much more than a symbolic exercise. It’s about fostering a sector that is knowledgeable, ethical, and inclusive – one that continually evolves to meet the needs of the communities it serves. By committing to these values, we can build a stronger, more unified housing sector for the future.

Check out CIH Canada’s qualifications if you’re interested in learning about professional development opportunities for housers.