Staying on Board: Non-profit housing provider board capacity in a changing context

Abstract

As their funding and operating agreements with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation expire, non-profit housing providers look to their boards of directors for direction. Boards must adapt to a wholly new context in order to continue to offer low-cost housing: less predictable revenue, new regulations, a new relationship with a different part of the provincial government, and new opportunities to use the equity in their properties. At the same time, some of the previous context remains: aging buildings, low reserve funds, and sometimes, board makeup that has not changed in decades. Interviews with housing providers, policymakers, and others involved in low-cost housing provision in Manitoba show that while many boards are ready and willing to transition into their new context, others are not, and may require additional supports if they are to continue to offer housing into the future.