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Rental Assistance Program Update: CMHC announces extension to Federal Community Housing Initiative, Phase 1

Published February 18, 2020

CMHC recently shared the following update on the implementation of the Federal Community Housing Initiative, Phase 2 (FCHI-2):

  • CMHC acknowledged that it requires more time to prepare for the implementation of FCHI-2 in order to better meet the needs of housing co-operatives.
  • CMHC now expects to deliver FCHI-2 funding agreements to eligible co-ops within the next four to six weeks.
  • In order to avoid interruptions to funding, co-ops with federally-administered agreements expiring March 31 to April 30, 2020 will automatically continue to receive current funding levels.
  • The funding will continue under the same terms and conditions as in current agreements, and will continue to May 31, 2020 or the date of their first payment received under FCHI-2 (whichever is earliest).
  • CMHC will communicate these details to co-ops via letter mail within the next two weeks.
  • Co-ops may contact CMHC with questions: 1-800-668-2642 or via email at fchi2-iflc2@cmhc-schl.gc.ca.

We recognize that our members require clarity and certainty as soon as possible. CHF Canada is being persistent in our efforts to keep CMHC and the Liberal government accountable to their promise of a seamless transition. Stable rental assistance programs are important to the everyday lives of vulnerable households, and are key to the health of the whole co-op housing community. We will continue to communicate this to CMHC, so our members’ interests remain central to this new program.

We will continue to share information to members through eNews as we receive it from CMHC. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact Courtney Lockhart, CHF Canada’s Program Manager, Policy & Government Relations at clockhart@chfcanada.coop.

About FCHI-2

The Federal Community Housing Initiative Phase 2 (FCHI-2), is a new rental assistance program set to begin April 1, 2020 for housing co-ops with federally administered agreements in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Québec, and PEI reaching the end of their operating agreements. Rental assistance is offered to housing co-ops to ensure low-income households maintain housing stability.


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