Your one-stop hub for media resources

Stay updated on the latest news and insights in Ontario’s community housing sector. Find resources such as articles, policy briefs, and research reports to keep you informed on trends and developments.

We’re not just sharing information – we’re sparking conversations and empowering changemakers. Whether you’re a housing professional or community advocate, we provide the knowledge and tools to advocate for stronger, more inclusive communities.

About us

Founded in 1988, the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) is an independent association funded and directed by its members. ONPHA leads, supports and advocates for the community housing sector to deliver sustainable, equitable housing and create communities where all people can thrive.   

About community housing

Community housing (also known as social or non-profit housing) has proven to be the most effective way to create affordable homes and keep them affordable. Strong investments help create inclusive communities that fill housing’s “missing middle” while also serving those that need support. 

Definitions

Affordable Housing: Generally accepted to be housing that costs less than 30% of a household’s before-tax income.

Deeply Affordable Housing: Generally refers to housing that is affordable (based on the 30% standard above) to the lowest-income households. Deeply affordable housing helps low-income working households or those on social assistance who cannot afford market housing. In the non-profit housing sector, organizations provide support through rent-geared-to-income assistance, setting rents at approximately 30% of a household’s income and subsidizing the remaining unit costs.

Attainable Housing: Attainable housing generally refers to housing that is affordable (based on the 30% standard) to moderate-income households. This could include working households whose income is above the thresholds to receive government assistance but below the levels required to comfortably afford market housing. New rental housing supply that sets rent levels at a percentage of average market rents for the local area qualifies as attainable housing.

Non-profit housing: Community-based affordable rental housing provided by non-profit corporations, overseen by a volunteer board of directors. A percentage of non-profit housing tenants pay rents geared to their incomes (known as rent-geared-to-income housing), and the remaining pay market rents. The percentage of tenants paying rent-geared-to-income ranges from 25% to 100% in a building or community. Typically, the ratio is around 60% rent-geared-to-income and 40% market rent.

Rent-geared-to-income (RGI) or rent subsidy: The subsidy a housing provider receives under the Housing Services Act to rent a defined number of units to low-income tenants at a rent-geared-to-income rate. The RGI or rent subsidy equals the difference between the actual rent paid by the qualifying tenant (paying approximately 30% of their income), and the government-approved market rent of a unit.

Annual ONPHA Conference 

The ONPHA Conference and Trade Show is one of the largest premier events of its kind in North America. Drawing nearly 1,000 housing professionals and a diverse array of cross-sector collaborators, it serves as a pivotal platform for networking, education, and knowledge exchange. Notably, attendees can anticipate updates from both provincial and federal housing leaders, alongside contributions from municipal housing leaders. Press is welcome to join us at the Conference.

Your essential source for community housing news and insights

Looking for more information about the latest sector trends and developments? Explore our most recent policy briefs, research reports, and stories to gain insights into the complex challenges and innovative solutions in the sector. Whether you’re working on an investigative piece, a feature story, or need expert sources, our research hub is your trusted partner in understanding the critical role of community housing in Ontario’s social landscape.

Press contact 

For all media inquiries, please contact communications@onpha.org.