Foundations: Tenant and community engagement
This three-course learning pathway provides a practical introduction to tenant and community engagement in community housing. Learners will explore the principles of inclusive engagement, understand why participation matters, and gain tools for building meaningful relationships with tenants and communities. The pathway highlights approaches for encouraging participation, responding to tenant feedback, and integrating engagement practices into everyday housing operations to support stronger, more responsive housing services.
This pathway has been co-created by community housing partners to provide newcomers to the community housing space with a foundational overview of tenant and community engagement.
It introduces key principles, approaches, and practical methods for building meaningful, inclusive relationships with tenants and communities. Through these custom-selected introductory courses, learners will explore why engagement matters, how to engage effectively, and how to apply engagement practices in day-to-day housing operations and decision-making. This program is designed for staff, managers, and emerging leaders who are new to tenant and community engagement or looking to strengthen their understanding of best practices.
What you will learn
Module 1: Introduction to Engagement
Why tenant and community engagement matters in community housing
Key concepts and terminology
How engagement supports strong, stable communities
Module 2: Principles of Inclusive Engagement
Core principles of respectful and inclusive engagement
Understanding diverse tenant experiences
Building trust with tenants and communities
Module 3: Engagement Methods and Tools
Common approaches to tenant engagement
Choosing appropriate engagement methods
Practical tools for communication and participation
Module 4: Supporting Tenant Participation
Tenant committees and leadership roles
Encouraging participation and representation
Creating accessible and welcoming engagement spaces
Module 5: Applying Engagement in Practice
Using engagement in day-to-day housing operations
Responding to feedback and concerns
Strengthening relationships between tenants and housing providers
What You’ll Gain
By completing this pathway, learners will:
Understand the foundations of tenant and community engagement
Learn practical strategies for meaningful participation
Build stronger relationships with tenants and communities
Apply engagement practices in housing programs and services
Program instructors
Steve Pomeroy
Categories
Steve is recognized as one of the leading housing policy experts and advisors in Canada.