Closed
Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC)
Centralized access to affordable housing in Waterloo Region
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The program manages the Region of Waterloo’s centralized waitlist for subsidized and affordable housing. It supports applications for community housing, priority statuses, and related rent assistance options in Waterloo Region.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Real estate and rental and leasing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation
- Mental Health and Crisis Intervention
- Social Services
- Income Support and Maintenance
- Housing
Target groups
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Application for subsidized and affordable housing.
- Requesting priority status for specific housing situations.
- Applying for rent assistance options linked to the waitlist.
Documents Needed
- Proof of status in Canada for each household member
- Proof of legal name, if needed
- Proof of income and assets
- Custody or access documents, if applicable
- Supporting forms for special priority or accommodation requests, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals and households seeking subsidized housing
- Low- to moderate-income households
- Families, seniors, and individuals with special priority needs
Who is not eligible
- Households with income above the program limits
- Households with assets above the program limits
- Households that own a suitable year-round home
- Households with unresolved rent or damage arrears without a repayment agreement
Eligible geographic areas
- Waterloo Region
- Cambridge
- Kitchener
- Waterloo
- North Dumfries
- Wellesley
- Wilmot
- Woolwich
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by CHAC after submission.
- Applicants are contacted if additional information is required.
- Eligible applicants are placed on the waitlist and contacted when housing becomes available.
- Applicants receive confirmation by email after submission and status updates by email.
- If approved for some housing benefits, the applicant may be removed from the centralized waitlist.
Additional information
- Applications can be submitted online, in person, by mail, or by email.
- Applicants must keep their information up to date to remain active on the waitlist.
- Some priority and special-status requests require supporting verification forms.
- Applications that are incomplete may not be processed.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC)?
The program manages the Region of Waterloo’s centralized waitlist for subsidized and affordable housing. It supports applications for community housing, priority statuses, and related rent assistance options in Waterloo Region.
Who is eligible for the Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC) program?
To be eligible for the Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC) program, you must:
Household income and assets within limits
At least one member aged 16+ and independent
Eligible legal status in Canada
What expenses are eligible under Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC)?
Application for subsidized and affordable housing.
Requesting priority status for specific housing situations.
Applying for rent assistance options linked to the waitlist.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC)?
You can contact Sunnyside Foundation by email at housingapplication@regionofwaterloo.ca or by phone at 519-575-4400.
Where is the Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC) available?
The Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC) is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC)?
Community Housing Access Centre (CHAC) is funded by Sunnyside Foundation