Tapestry Community Capital’s Post

On VIA Rail Canada to Ottawa for the Sustainable Finance Forum, sharing my reflections on #HousingCentral by the BC Non-Profit Housing Association last week: 1) Collaboration not competition - It was inspiring to share the stage with Kira Gerwing from Sacha Investments and Luke Harrison, who shared how they partnered, often along with Vancity Community Foundation too, to fund new affordable housing projects. We need more examples of this collaboration across Canada, and in other sectors too, where organizations repeatedly partner and work together without a scarcity mindset. 2) We have the capacity - There is a lot of empty talk from the private sector that the non-market sector "does not have the capacity" to deliver new housing. There are countless leaders in our sector that are radically debunking that myth. It was inspiring to witness the continued evolution of Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society under the leadership of Lilian Chau, who continues to grow their new housing supply. These organizations are also working with an intersectional approach and often partnering with Indigenous and Black-led housing providers and communities for collective developments. 3) Shifting power in funding - There is a growing recognition that our traditional systems of finance and investing are at the root of our current housing crisis. Community bonds are rapidly growing as a financing solution that shifts power to housing providers, to raise capital on their terms, and mobilize community support. It was wonderful seeing Lindsay Harris from Propolis Cooperative Housing Society who recently acquired their site to develop net-zero affordable housing, supported an inclusive group of community investors including residents, neighbours, and organizations such as First West Credit Union, Thrive Impact Fund, and Affordable Housing Societies . It is clear that this is just the beginning of this movement and proud of our growing impact at Tapestry Community Capital. 4) Breaking bread - It is impossible to deny Vancouver's superiority to Toronto when it comes to Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese food. Being away from home is made easier with colleagues like Kyle Zhang, who love bringing people together for meaningful conversations over good food. Gratitude to the BC Non-Profit Housing Association for hosting us and looking forward to this week in Ottawa at the SFF!