A Shared Commitment: Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Homes
Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Homes recently renewed their three-year commitment to Rooftops Canada, continuing a partnership grounded in shared values and a belief in the power of co-operation. Long-term support from committed co-ops like Compass NS helps make Rooftops Canada’s work possible and strengthens a shared vision for safe, secure, and affordable housing for all.
In this Q&A, Compass NS President, Keith Macdonald, reflects on why they chose to renew their commitment for another three years, the values that drive their support, and why being part of Rooftops Canada’s work matters to their community.
Compass Nova Scotia has recently renewed its support for Rooftops Canada for another three years and we’re incredibly grateful. What inspired Compass Nova Scotia to continue this partnership, and what keeps you committed to this work alongside us?
Renewing our support for Rooftops Canada for another three years reflects both our values and our responsibility to our members. As a co-operative housing co-op, we are entrusted with members' resources, so every investment we make needs to align with our mission and demonstrate meaningful impact.
We see our support for Rooftops Canada as part of Compass NS’s broader commitment to community development and outreach. The work Rooftops Canada does to strengthen housing organizations, empower communities, and support sustainable housing solutions closely reflects the co-operative principles that guide our organization. We believe that sharing knowledge, supporting capacity-building, and strengthening communities extends beyond our own neighbourhoods.
What also reinforced our commitment was the opportunity some of our members had to meet with a Rooftops Canada delegate and learn firsthand about the organization's work and impact. It was a very positive exchange that highlighted the power of international co-operation and reminded us that while communities may be separated by geography, many of our housing challenges and aspirations are shared.
We believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and that secure housing is the foundation for thriving communities. How do those values connect with your own and the work you do in your community?
Those values are at the heart of everything we do at Compass Nova Scotia. We believe that housing is more than a physical place to live. It provides stability, security, and the foundation people need to participate fully in their communities.
Our work is focused on preserving and growing affordable housing while supporting strong, inclusive, member-led communities. As a co-operative, we believe in mutual support, democratic participation, and creating opportunities for people to thrive together. Those same values are reflected in Rooftops Canada's work around the world.
Supporting Rooftops Canada through our community development and outreach efforts is a natural extension of our belief that healthy communities are built when people have access to safe, affordable housing and the tools to shape their own future.
While housing challenges can look different around the world, many of the underlying issues - and solutions - are shared. Why do you think it’s important for Canadian housing organizations to support and learn from housing initiatives beyond our own communities?
Housing challenges may vary from country to country, but issues such as affordability, access to housing, sustainability, and community resilience are universal. One of the greatest strengths of the co-operative movement is its willingness to share knowledge and learn from diverse experiences.
Canadian housing co-ops still have a lot to learn. Through partnerships like Rooftops Canada, we gain valuable insights into innovative community-led approaches that can strengthen our own work. At the same time, we can share our experiences and expertise with others facing similar challenges.
The opportunity for some of our members to meet with a Rooftops Canada delegate brought that exchange to life. Hearing directly about housing initiatives in other parts of the world created meaningful dialogue and helped our members see how co-operative values can connect people across borders. Those experiences remind us that strong housing solutions are built through collaboration, learning, and solidarity.
You’ve been part of the Rooftops Canada community for a number of years. Reflecting on that journey, what has impressed or inspired you the most about our work and the impact you’ve seen over time?
What has impressed me most is Rooftops Canada's commitment to creating lasting change through local leadership and capacity building. Rather than focusing solely on short-term outcomes, Rooftops Canada works alongside communities to strengthen organizations, develop skills, and support sustainable solutions that continue long after a specific project has ended.
For organizations or individuals who may be thinking about supporting Rooftops Canada, what would you want them to know about the value of getting involved and why it matters? Why do you believe this work is worth investing in?
I would encourage potential supporters to look at the long-term value of the work Rooftops Canada does. This is not just about providing housing solutions today; it is about helping communities build the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity needed to create sustainable change for the future.
For Compass NS, supporting Rooftops Canada is part of our commitment to community development and outreach and reflects values that are important to our members. We believe co-operatives have a responsibility to contribute to stronger communities, both locally and globally, and Rooftops Canada provides a meaningful way to put those values into action.
Collaboration is one of Compass Nova Scotia's core values. We understand that no single organization can solve the housing crisis alone. Progress happens when organizations share knowledge, build relationships, and work together toward common goals. While our primary responsibility is to our members and communities here at home, we also recognize the importance of supporting and strengthening the broader co-operative and community housing sector.
Our partnership with Rooftops Canada is an excellent way to do that. It allows us to contribute to a larger movement that is advancing community-led housing solutions around the world while creating opportunities for learning and connection here in Nova Scotia. The positive experience our members had meeting with a Rooftops Canada delegate demonstrated the value of those relationships and reinforced that we are part of something much bigger than our own co-op. People’s daily lives.