How to Apply
CSHO has 35 rental units and rates are at least 10% below current market rates. Rent is not geared to income.
Tenants are responsible for full payment of rent each month.
Accepted tenants are also responsible to pay for electricity, cable television, internet and content insurance.
Please note: that there is a long wait list for housing through CSHO.
Am I Eligible?
There are several eligibility requirements you must meet to apply for affordable housing with CSHO:
1. Maximum Household Income:
The maximum allowable gross household income for the affordable housing program is set by the Province of Alberta annually. Total household income (line 150 on your income tax return) cannot exceed the ‘Core Need Income Thresholds for a particular unit size. For more information please visit https://open.alberta.ca/publications/income-thresholds
The 2025 CNIT for Cochrane:
- Studio: $54,500
- One Bedroom: $65,000
- Two Bedroom: $77,000
- Three Bedroom: $85,000
2. Gross Assets:
Priority will be given to households with total assets less than $100,000.
3. Citizenship:
All applicants must meet the Alberta Social Housing Accommodation Regulation which specifies that residents are one of the following: • Canadian citizens, or lawfully admitted into Canada by the Government of Canada, or have applied for refugee or immigration status.
4. Current Residence:
Applicants must currently live, work, or have children attending school, in Cochrane or Western Rocky View County, for at least 6 months.
How do I apply?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, and are ready to apply for housing, complete the following:
1. Fill out the Housing Wait List Application
2. Your wait list application will be kept for 3 months. If you have not heard from CSHO in this time about an available unit and you still need affordable housing, email janton@csho.ca to remain on the waitlist.
Interviews and Full Housing Application
1. When a rental unit becomes available, CSHO will contact eligible applicants from the waitlist. Up to 6 applicants will be selected to attend interviews to complete the full housing application.
2. From the information gathered on the full application, CSHO will complete a Need Rating Form.
3. CSHO will conduct reference checks with previous landlords, employers and personal contacts.
4. CSHO will then:
A. accept or decline the application for tenancy
B. if accepted, the Property Manager will contact the applicant to complete the Lease agreement
C. If declined, CSHO will contact the applicant to advise them of the decision
If you have any additional questions, please contact Jaimie Anton at 403.851.2261, by email at janton@csho.ca, or in person at the Homestead, Main Floor, Unit #1, 209 2nd Ave. W., Cochrane, Alberta.
Our Stories
C.W - Tenant
"I would be in a very dire situation if I'd not been approved for tenancy in this building. I had faced a very tragic and life alternating situation in the fall of 2018, which left me homeless and penniless. I applied with CSHO for an apartment and found myself bouncing between family and friends for shelter and food for nineteen months. It was an extremely trying time and it certainly had a toll on my mental and emotional health.
I received both approval for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped and an apartment in the Homestead building here in Cochrane in July 2018. It was a life saver for me as I was losing hope, along with healthy connections with my family. I am tremendously grateful for my accommodations here at the Homestead and am thankful for the amazing staff (and board members) that run this facility. I feel a great deal of pride living in such a well-organized and maintained building without discrimination. I believe there is a great need for more facilities like this as we are facing extreme poverty and homelessness in our country right now."
Our Stories
Anonymous - Tenant
"After struggling with a great tragedy and finding myself in an unimaginable situation, I found myself needing to find a safe haven to rebuild my life. Cochrane was where I landed and through the support of Cochrane Famiy & Community Support Services and CSHO, I was able to get back on my feet again. When I was settled in my apartment, I was finally able to rebuild my life knowing that I had housing security at a cost that enabled me to live moderately."
Our Stories
Anonymous - Tenant
“This home mattered to us, as I left an abusive relationship to find a home for myself and my children, a place to feel safe and comfortable. This was a beginning to a new life for myself. I never knew what it was like to have a home for 23 years. I lived with a household of 3 families in one until I moved to Cochrane. My children now have a future to look forward to, I can live in peace, and live a healthy lifestyle. I love being apart of Cochrane community!”
Get Involved
CSHO moves forward because people choose to show up. No matter how you lend a hand—through volunteering, advocacy, or financial support—you’re helping build housing solutions rooted in compassion. Every contribution nudges our community closer to a future where everyone has a secure place to call home