Housing Glossary

Housing is one of the most multi-faceted and challenging topics to tackle. What does it mean when we talk about housing supply? What is a housing continuum?

As part of the Housing Supply Challenge Support Program, we have prepared a glossary of definitions to help you better navigate the housing ecosystem and advance your housing solutions.

Housing Supply

The amount of available housing in a given housing market, relative to demand.

Purpose-Built Rental

Housing units designed and built for long-term rental accommodation.

Core Housing Need

Households living in some combination of inadequate, unsuitable and unaffordable housing, in need of an acceptable alternative.

Community Housing

An umbrella term that refers to housing owned and operated by non-profit organizations and housing co-ops, or different levels of government.

Housing Continuum

The range of housing types available in a community, from emergency shelters to homeownership.

Subsidized Housing

Government assistance towards alleviating housing costs for low income households

Mixed-use Development

The development of a piece of land or building with two or more uses, such as residential, retail and/or office.

Mixed-income Housing

A housing development designed for a range of household incomes, possibly including amix of rented and owned units.

Housing Retrofit

The process of refurbishing an existing building to improve quality of life for residents and possibly to reduce its carbon emissions and lessen its environmental impact.

Supportive Housing

Housing that provides a safe, secure, and home-like physical environment for residents, with access to support services.

Do you have suggestions for additional housing terms? Reach out to the Housing Supply Challenge Support Program.

If you are interested in submitting an application for the Housing Supply Challenge, contact Evergreen for guidance and resources to develop and improve your submission.