What does Salsbury Community Society (SCS) do?

We operate affordable, permanent rental housing in a supportive community environment, one that brings together a diverse group of people. 

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What does SCS stand for? 

We stand for a just society, where rich and poor share life together in order to grow in empathy and understanding. 

 

Who owns Co:Here?

Co:Here is owned by the Co:Here Foundation. They partnered with Salsbury Community Society (SCS) to operate the building. 

 

Is Co:Here church housing?

No. While the land on which Co:Here sits was once a church parking lot, and has faith-based roots, it is not church housing. We do not require or encourage any particular religious affiliation to live or work here. 

 

Is Co:Here supportive housing?

No. We provide housing with a strong emphasis on neighbour relationships, and where neighbours can support each other. SCS does not provide supportive housing, which is a model of housing that typically includes 24/7 professional support and regular programming from staff trained in relevant healthcare expertise (e.g. mental health, addictions, etc.). 

 

How much rent do tenants’ pay?

Rent at Co:Here is geared to income, rather than size of unit. Salsbury offers residents access to affordable rent by setting different levels of rent based on incomes, up to 30% of income. Rent is reviewed on a yearly basis, or in the event of income change. 

 

Are Co:Here units accessible?

Accessible refers to suites that enable independent living for persons with disabilities. There are two wheelchair accessible studio units in the Co:Here building, and they are intended for people with mobility challenges.

 

Is there a waitlist?

We operate on a waitpool basis not a list. When a vacancy becomes available, SCS staff will review the waitpool applicants and select two-three appropriate candidates.  Prospective tenants are contacted if they are being considered for a vacancy. 

 

How do I apply? 

Application forms are available once per year when they can be submitted for review by SCS staff. Those applications that are eligible will enter the waitpool. Applications can be found online or picked up from the office during office hours (Mon - Thurs 9:30am - 2:30pm) Sept 1-Oct 31.

 

Do I have to reapply every year?

No you do not need to apply more than once. We ask applicants to renew interest annually (Sept 1-Oct 31), and to update us if any key information has changed (e.g. family size, address, etc.)

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Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is determined by:

• Demonstrated connection to the neighbourhood in which the building is located. This connection can be physical (e.g. currently live, work or go to school there), or relational (e.g. has strong relationships with people in the neighbourhood).

• Communicated interest in living in a community-minded building. Willingness to share in the work and life of the community. This means participating in regular community rhythms (i.e. eating together, joining committees, washing dishes, addressing harms, reconciling, neighbouring).

• Willingness to disclose financial information to validate current annual income. SCS is committed to offering stable, affordable housing while operating a model which ensures that tenants do not pay more than 30% of their total income. As such, incomes are assessed annually.

• Ability to direct their own mental and physical health care. Prospective tenants who have mental and physical health challenges must have existing formal and/or informal support networks in place outside of Co:Here. Folks who have complex mental or physical health challenges may require a level of care that we cannot provide.

 

Am I a good fit for Co:Here?

A strong applicant for Co:Here housing is someone who: 

• Is in need of housing and fit our eligibility criteria (see above);

• Desires to build relationships with others as a result of their own life experience;

• Is self-aware. You understand and can articulate your own needs and boundaries, especially as related to supporting others

• Participates in the neighbourhood (e.g. you have relationships, paid or volunteer work, attend clubs or groups, participate in local social, cultural, or spiritual organizations etc.)

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