Sharing Knowledge for Housing Commons – Collaboration, Research, & Advocacy
The Housing Commons Research Centre (HCRC) is a new virtual research centre, housed at the University of Toronto. We may be based in Toronto, but our scope is global. The plan is to bring lessons from Canadian and international research and promote knowledge sharing and dialogue among a broad range of alternative housing approaches. The HCRC is a new kind of research hub for sharing research, tools, and action-oriented strategies in the community-led housing sector. The strength of our approach comes from relationships, curiosity and a commitment to advancing and advocating for community-led housing solutions.
A virtual space dedicated to advancing community-led housing in Canada and beyond, the HCRC connects researchers, organizers and practitioners working on a wide range of alternative housing models like co-ops, community land trusts, eco-villages, and co-housing. Grounded in values of justice and self-determination, we share tools, support partnerships and bridge theory and practice.
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So what’s our goal?
We aim to support and strengthen a network of like minded researchers, and practitioners by connecting academic research with boots on the ground leaders in communities across the globe. Our work is firmly rooted in social and environmental justice, centring the lived experience, agency and self determination of those most affected by housing inequality. The HCRC support is bold, justice centred housing strategies that challenge the status quo of private property and extractive land use development practices by:
- Hosing public webinars, student discussion groups, and deep-dive sessions with New Housing Alternative Network Partners
- Supporting collaborative research that is shaped by communities, not just academics; and
- Uplifting the leadership of equity-deservice communities, including Indigenous, Black, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled, unhoused, and underhoused folks;
- Creating a living archive of accessible resources; and
- Mentoring emerging researchers, organizers, and leaders in the community-led housing space.
We believe that housing is more than a roof over your head, it’s about dignity, care, and community control. If that sounds about right to you, then you’ve found the right place. Welcome to the Housing Commons – lets learn, share, and build together!
Please Contact Us – Get in touch to share resources, contribute research, request support, or explore partnership opportunities. Whether you’re an academic, practitioner, or organization, we welcome collaboration to strengthen knowledge, capacity, and community impact.
