Montreal,
One week before the 2023 Housing Summit, the Alliance des corporations d’habitations abordables du territoire du Québec (ACHAT) expects that the non-profit housing model will be among the priority solutions included in the forthcoming housing action plan from the Government of Quebec.
“The social economy model has proven its ability to provide affordable housing to the population. It is an effective way to protect tenants from abusive rent increases caused by real estate speculation. We believe this model is a cornerstone of a systemic approach to addressing the current housing crisis,” stated Sébastien Parent-Durand, Managing Director of ACHAT.
Better understanding the benefits of the social economy in housing
To mark the occasion, ACHAT and the Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins are unveiling a three-part video series titled “The Social Economy as a Solution to the Housing Crisis”. Narrated by actor Didier Lucien, the series presents the social and economic advantages of non-profit housing in a clear and accessible way.
“In 2023, the Caisse solidaire was the primary financier for major projects to purchase private rental housing and remove it from the speculative market, particularly in eastern Montreal and Drummondville. These projects were led by the non-profit organizations Mainbourg (720 units, $75M in loans) and SOLIDES (363 units, $35M in loans). At the Caisse d’économie solidaire, 55% of our business financing supports the urgent needs of the community housing sector. Financing community housing is at the heart of what we do,” emphasized Marc Picard, General Manager of the Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins.
The videos highlight strategies to accelerate the growth of this social entrepreneurship model by pooling the expertise and resources of non-profit housing groups. ACHAT’s members are committed to fulfilling their social mission: meeting the essential housing needs of the population.
Proven Success
ACHAT, which launched its activities just one year ago, is taking stock of its progress. The movement is clearly gaining momentum: ACHAT’s members are delivering results despite a challenging economic context. Since January 2023, member organizations have delivered 1,529 new non-profit housing units through five acquisitions and one new construction project. In addition, members are currently developing over 3,000 units scheduled for delivery in 2024–2025.
Contact
Noémie Laurendeau
COPTICOM, Strategies and Public Relations
438-826-5816
nlaurendeau@copticom.ca