Living in a housing co-operative is different than owning your own home. Potential members are encouraged to learn about co-ops before they apply to ensure it is a good fit for them, as it is unique living. Interested parties are able to attend information sessions through NACHA. Please follow this link to view the upcoming sessions and get in touch with NACHA for scheduling.

NACHA Information Session

               The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice:

• Voluntary & Open Membership
• Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
  
• Democratic Member Control
• Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Persons serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.
  
• Member Economic Participation
• Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
  
• Autonomy & Independence  
• Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter to agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.
  
• Education, Training & Information
• Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
  
• Co-operation Among the Cooperatives
• Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
  
• Concern for Community
• Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.