Persis Ahrestani, CPA, CGA’s Post

Community Land Trust is counting down to #WorldCLTDay 2024 on May 17 &18! Follow @CLTrust on Twitter/X this week as we celebrate some of the projects we’ve been championing over the past 12 months with peers worldwide in celebration of affordable housing, land justice and community empowerment. We not only manage over 3500 co-op and non-profit homes and developments in communities across BC but are also a major driver of growth in the non-market and community housing sector. CLT has 1500 new housing co-ops in the pipeline across the Lower Mainland and in North Cowichan. A leader in housing co-ops built for the urban environment, we combine the benefits of co-op living with professional development and property management. It’s all about being caretakers and stewards of public land, ensuring it stays in community hands and ultimately creating communities that people are proud to call home. https://lnkd.in/gB4E5-Q2

🏡 Non-Profit Housing: A Legacy of Affordability and Community 🏡 Since 2014, Jan Chamberlain had the privilege of serving as a director on the board of Owen Sound’s affordable housing companies. Their journey began back in the 1950s when Mayor Eddie Sargent and a group of dedicated businessmen recognized the need for affordable seniors' housing, resulting in the creation of the Frank Smith Apartments. Fast forward to today, and thier efforts have grown significantly: - Bayfield Landing (50 units) - Ordinance Park (90 units) - Bluewater Ridge (60 units) - Odawa Heights (3 phases, 94 mixed housing units + 58-unit apartment) Through the dedication of community volunteers, this housing will remain affordable in perpetuity, ensuring stability and support for generations to come. As Ken Thomson, our long-standing Chair, often said, “We will only build what we would be willing to live in ourselves.” That promise continues today under the leadership of our current Chair, Ruth Lovell Stanners. Read the latest newsletter for more information: https://vist.ly/3mh4v35 Our next Affordable Housing event is coming soon—keep an eye on our next newsletter for the details. Together, we’re building communities where everyone can thrive. #AffordableHousing #CommunityBuilding #NonProfitHousing #OwenSound #GreyCounty #HousingForAll #TISGB #SustainableCommunities #RegionalActionPlan

While progress is being made on affordable housing, we urgently need more action to address the unmet needs of people across BC. The #HousingCentral partners call on all levels of gov't and all parties to make this issue a priority. Our research and analysis show that affordable homes for all is within reach – with enough support. Strategy #1 - Build More: We need 12,500 more affordable homes each year until 2034 to address unmet need, future growth and homelessness. Strategy #2 - Protect More: Support non-profit acquisitions and the Rental Protection Fund to safeguard existing affordable homes. And invest in keeping aging non-profit buildings in good condition. Read the full plan here: https://lnkd.in/g_73Z6K5 It's clear we need more action to meet the growing housing needs of renters and Indigenous peoples, and to increase the supply of affordable homes. Currently, almost 50% of the population struggles with being able to pay for their 3 most basic needs: food, shelter, and utilities. We encourage everyone to get informed by visiting https://housingcentral.ca/ Thank you to our Housing Central partners, the BC Non-Profit Housing Association and the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC, for joining us in this work along with our many other partners and supporters.

🏡 Breaking News: City of Brandon Sells Property for $1 to Support Affordable Housing! The City of Brandon is taking a bold step towards addressing affordable housing and homelessness by selling a property for just $1. Last week, Brandon city council approved the sale of 215 12th Street North to a non-profit, government agency, or partnering organization with the aim of transforming it into an affordable housing development. As advocates for accessible housing, we applaud this initiative to utilize land holdings for the greater good of the community. This development will provide crucial housing options for residents experiencing homelessness or precarious living situations. We believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration to create meaningful change. Organizations interested in participating in this innovative project can apply individually or in collaboration with others to build and operate the housing development. At Digital Home Development, we support initiatives that prioritize housing accessibility and community well-being. Stay tuned for updates on this inspiring project as it progresses. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need. 🌟🏡 https://lnkd.in/eKvZskaU #AffordableHousing #CommunityImpact #MakingADifference

Rural communities are vital to our nation’s fabric, yet they often face unique challenges in developing affordable housing and community resources.  HUD’s recent $12 million investment through the Rural Capacity Building program empowers non-profits to bridge these gaps by supporting affordable housing development and community growth for low-income families in rural America. Discover how these grants are strengthening communities and driving impactful change. Read the full press release in the comments.  #AffordableHousing #RuralDevelopment #CommunityImpact #HUDInvestments

Affordable housing preservation is important to communities and residents alike. The graphic below outlines 5 important elements of why affordable housing preservation makes sense. As a national nonprofit, TDA partners with affordable housing developers to acquire, rehabilitate, and preserve affordable housing developed under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and USDA Rural Development programs that are at risk of aging out of the programs and loss of affordability. TDA focuses on approaches to preserve these communities through long term physical and financial sustainability while emphasizing environmental and energy efficient practices. We invite you to learn more at our website, https://lnkd.in/ecrJBiUi. #CommunityUpgrowthSustainability #AffordableHousing #Housing #SustainableHousing #Nonprofit #NonprofitOrganization #Community #RuralCommunities #SustainableCommunities #AffordableHousingForAll #RuralCommunitiesMatter #AffordableHousingPreservation

HELP US IN CONTINUING TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR EVERYONE! The gap between the middle class and working poor is widening, the state of the global economy and the pressures of housing demands are huge contributors to the current housing crisis, coupled with the challenges that developers and the Government have, to implement and execute affordable housing initiatives. Such a big challenge that few people have the answers to, Heartwood Place is here to provide solutions to these serious issues.  We do not accomplish this alone, it is with the continued financial support of our municipal and regional governments and along side our community friends, such as United Way. We are also fortunate to be supported within the communities themselves with financial contributions from private donors.  As a donor, you are not only sharing in the reward of making a home possible for those who can not afford the rising costs. You are also part of making the difference in an individual or family’s lives. Having a safe affordable home, provides people with a sense of security and confidence. A sense of belonging to a community, it is fulfilling, and empowering. This is the foundation for better health and positive lifestyle changes. It is with this strength that people thrive and contribute to the building of an enriched community. Heartwood Place will continue to welcome and offer a community environment that is inclusive of all backgrounds and beliefs. We want to build on existing stock to meet the emerging community needs. We need continued financial support to bring our mission of providing,  “MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING” into the community. Private donations will directly impact the financial strain of material, labour, and insurance costs. This is a continued obstacle in maintaining our aging buildings and providing the basic human right, to a home! Monetary donations as small as $50.00 will not only help us to achieve our goal to maintain affordable housing but help grow the number of available units to our communities. Imagine knowing your contribution was part of offering an individual or family an opportunity they may not otherwise have, a brand-new home!!

Post 2: The Advocacy Perspective Caption Hook: "What if housing wasn’t controlled by profit-driven landlords but owned by the community itself?" Perspective & Source: The Local’s Rent Series (2023) highlights the work of Neighbourhood Land Trust (NLT), a non-profit that buys rental buildings and converts them into affordable community housing. So far, NLT has secured over 200 units, offering students and low-income families a stable place to live. Why It Matters: "Non-profits like NLT prove that there are solutions. By taking buildings off the private market and into community ownership, they help students, families, and workers stay housed—even in a skyrocketing rental market." CTA: "Support the advocates making a difference. Visit @NeighbourhoodLandTrust and learn how you can help fight Toronto’s housing crisis. Together, we can create real change."

NEWS Release: TRINITY DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE, INC., EXPANDS UNIQUE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR U.S. RURAL COMMUNITIES Trinity Development Alliance, Inc. (TDA) has expanded its unique affordable housing outreach program that benefits U.S. rural communities. After successfully developing, launching and implementing their Affordable Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHMP) service, the nonprofit has been able to reach rural individuals, families and communities in need of affordable housing, while also creating positive outcomes and budget friendly solutions for affordable housing properties and their owners. According to TDA Director of Operations, Melinda Taylor, the AFHMP program has been a key component of successful outcomes. “The AFHMP program has been able to link individuals and families to the housing in rural areas that they so desperately need,” she says. “For the properties themselves and our community partners, they are able keep vacancies limited, have increased resident compliance, and serve the community, simultaneously.” To see the full press release. learn more about TDA, and contact TDA regarding a community partnership, visit this link on our website: https://ow.ly/2VBc50ThXaa #CommunityUpgrowthSustainability #NonprofitPressRelease #PressRelease #AffordableHousing #Housing #SustainableHousing #Nonprofit #NonprofitOrganization #Community #RuralCommunities #SustainableCommunities #AffordableHousingForAll #RuralCommunitiesMatter

The push for affordability and the growing connection between market and non-profit housing is dramatically reshaping development across Metro Vancouver. Principal at CitySpaces Noha Sedky sits down with Adam and Matt this week to explore how municipalities are engaging the non-profit housing sector & requiring affordable housing components in new developments. Who does non-profit housing serve & what value does it bring to Metro Vancouver? What do we actually mean by affordable housing or non-profit housing? And how can early partnerships between developers and non-profits create more viable projects in today’s challenging real estate market? Listen up to understand the forces shaping our region’s housing future! Listen: https://lnkd.in/gn2xKhG9