Developing a consumer-run housing co-op in Hamilton

Project Structure This feasibility study for a consumer-run housing co-operative in Hamilton was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and was carried out by a research team from the Centre for Research and Education in Human Services (CREHS) under the direction of a sub-committee of the Hamilton Addiction and Mental Health Network (HAMHN). [...] Issues explored include the need for social housing in Hamilton, the housing needs of people with mental health issues, how stakeholders view the idea of developing a housing co-op for people with mental health issues, and whether there is a significant number of consumer/survivors in Hamilton who would like to live in a housing co-operative. [...] A good majority of the stakeholders that participated in this research said that a consumer-run housing co-op would be an important addition to the continuum of housing that is available to people with mental health issues, and a significant step toward addressing the gaps identified. [...] After a review of literature and discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each model with a range of stakeholders, a consensus was reached that a not-for-profit model is the preferred model for consumer-run cooperative housing in Hamilton. [...] A founding co-op board of directors would also have to be established for the incorporation of the co-op and for organizing the co-op association and community.