Launched in 2015, the Sustainable Housing Initiative (SHI) is a division within the Rural Development Network (RDN) dedicated to the development of cost-effective, innovative, and sustainable housing within rural communities across Canada.
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The Sustainable Housing Initiative (SHI) was created in 2015 by the Rural Development Network (RDN) to create a model to develop affordable housing in rural communities. Today, SHI has developed a guide to build affordable housing and provides consulting services tailored to the unique needs of rural communities so that financially sustainable affordable housing can be developed.
leader in facilitating the development of affordable housing in rural communities
Rural Canada has a critical shortage of affordable housing options but it hasn’t received the same attention as urban centers. Without affordable housing, many small communities cannot prevent homelessness or help people through the housing continuum. In addition to providing community members with a safe and adequate place to live, affordable housing also strengthens social inclusion and promotes a sense of community.
The Rural Development Network (RDN) developed the Sustainable Housing Initiative (SHI) in 2015 to address the need for affordable housing in rural communities.
Since its inception, the SHI has far exceeded its original goals by raising more than $30 million in capital investments for affordable housing. Our core strength is to help rural communities access funding to develop cost-effective, innovative and sustainable housing through a proven and streamlined process.
The SHI works with rural communities using a proven three-phased approach to obtain funding at a fraction of the cost, ensuring that affordable housing is achievable for everyone. Our approach supports rural communities in their efforts to build affordable housing that is financially sustainable. The SHI is committed to being stewards of affordable housing in Canada and would strive to ensure that your project is both successful and sustainable while retaining investor's best interests.
Our team of multi-faceted professionals will assist in the pre-development of your affordable housing project that is tailored to the unique needs of your community and help you access funding for the project, on a cost-recovery basis.
Our dedicated team of professionals have proven capabilities of delivering premium services. The SHI services range from pre-developmental consulting and site specific services to securing funds for communities. SHI's focus is delivering cost-effective and timely solutions to any affordable housing project.
SHI has been successful in retaining strong talent while adapting and growing together as a team.
Our SHI team is comprised of individuals with backgrounds in:
Real Estate Sales & Management
Construction
Business Case Development
Development and Procurement
Government Policy Analysis
Underwriting and Financial Analysis
One of the first projects supported through this initiative is the YWCA Banff Courtyard Project. This 33 unit, 3-story cost effective project will meet net-zero targets for energy efficiency and provide affordable rental housing for up to 78 residents who face barriers to finding suitable accommodation.
The Courtyard Project will have at least 4 suites that are barrier free for people with accessibility needs.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy's Innovative Solutions to Homelessness.
The SHI has developed"The Step-By-Step Guide to Developing Sustainable Affordable Housing". It will help save community groups time and money by providing a free, comprehensive guide on how to successfully develop, build and manage affordable housing.
The guide is based upon SHI's experience with developing unique projects with a variety of owner/operator models, including, but not limited to not for profit groups, housing management bodies and local municipal governments.
Request a copy of the guide.
SHI leads the way in affordable housing with a strong mandate to ensure your project is financially sustainable, while still incorporating
aesthetically pleasing design
Ability to effectively communicate and negotiate.
High market profile.
Well-developed internal process.
Highly skilled and diverse team of professionals.
Quickly cultivate optimal processes and tactical strategies for any affordable housing project.
Fast adjustments to changing regulations and individual community needs.
Rural Canada has a critical shortage of affordable housing options but it hasn’t received the same attention as urban centers. Without affordable housing, many small communities cannot prevent homelessness or help people through the housing continuum. Therefore, the Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN) developed the Sustainable Housing Initiative (SHI) in 2015 to address the need for affordable housing in rural communities. Since its inception, the Sustainable Housing Initiative has far exceeded its original goals by raising more than $30 million in capital investments for affordable housing.
Ultimately, we act as a project facilitator by:
1) Providing Innovative Solutions
2) Supporting New Partnerships
3) Leveraging Existing Resources
Our core strength is to help rural communities access funding to develop affordable housing through a proven and streamlined process.
As the housing development arm of the RDN, we focus on creating a poverty free society in Canada, in which everyone has access to affordable & safe housing.
The RDN is a not-for-profit organization that was created in 2009 through a voluntary partnership of 21 post secondary institutions. The RDN's initiatives support community development through research and learning by leveraging the expertise of its post-secondary members. For more information on RDN, please click here.