Woodsworth is a non-profit housing co-operative. Members’ housing charges (rent) are set to cover the co-op’s mortgage, operating costs, maintenance, property taxes, staffing, and reserves for future repairs.
To support members facing financial challenges, Woodsworth offers two types of assistance: Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) assistance through CMHC and Emergency Housing Charge Assistance.
Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Assistance (CMHC)
Woodsworth has an agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) that allows up to 25% of households to receive rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance.
RGI assistance helps households whose housing charges are 30% or more of their gross household income.
Key points:
* RGI is administered by co-op management under a formal CMHC agreement.
* All applications and records are strictly confidential.
* The program is usually fully subscribed, but a confidential waiting list is maintained.
* The current CMHC agreement runs until January 1, 2030.
* Co-op housing federations across Canada are actively advocating for the program to continue beyond that date.
Rules and Eligibility
Details about eligibility, income calculation, unit size requirements, applications, and appeals are set out in Woodsworth’s Housing Charge Subsidy Bylaw, which reflects the CMHC agreement. This includes:
* Definition of gross household income
* Proof of income requirements
* Occupancy standards and over-housing rules
* Overhousing surcharge options
* Appeals, privacy, and conflict-of-interest provisions
Households receiving subsidy must also sign the Housing Charge Subsidy Terms and Agreement (Appendix C of the Occupancy Bylaw).
Emergency Housing Charge Assistance (EHC)
Woodsworth also maintains an Emergency Housing Charge Assistance Plan (EHC) to provide short-term help to members experiencing a temporary loss or reduction of income.
This program is separate from CMHC’s RGI program and is funded directly by Woodsworth.
Key points:
* EHC assistance is discretionary and administered by management under Board direction.
* Assistance is time-limited: up to three (3) months in a 12-month period.
* Funding comes from a fixed annual budget and may be limited or exhausted.
* Members must not be in arrears and cannot be receiving CMHC RGI at the same time.
* Members may be on the waiting list for CMHC RGI while receiving EHC
Full details are outlined in the Emergency Housing Charge Assistance Policy.
Related Policies and Bylaws
For more detailed information, please refer to:
Housing Charge Subsidy Bylaw (including CMHC schedules)
Occupancy Bylaw (including Appendix C: Housing Charge Subsidy Terms and Agreement)
Membership Bylaw: Member Approval and Unit Allocation
Emergency Housing Charge Assistance Policy
What the bylaws and policies say about housing charge subsidy
If you have questions about eligibility or need help applying, please contact co-op management. All inquiries are handled confidentially.