2006 Credit Union Award for Community Economic Development
Assiniboine Credit Union Helps Deliver Affordable Housing
In 2006, the
Canadian credit union system presented the 18th Annual Community Economic
Development Award to Manitoba’s Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU). In
the mid 1990s, ACU responded to a member call to exercise leadership in
addressing the housing crisis in Winnipeg’s inner city. The result is ACU’s
Affordable Housing Program – an inspiring example of how to harness the power
of co-operative principles. Through productive partnerships with non-profit
neighbourhood groups, government agencies and other community builders, the
credit union plays a key role in ensuring and sustaining equitable housing
programs throughout Winnipeg.
Since 1997, ACU has
provided more than $20 million in credit to assist in the development of over
500 affordable and special needs housing units. In addition, it has built
productive relationships with many non-profit neighbourhood groups as well as
with the three levels of government through Winnipeg Housing and Homeless
Initiative (WHHI).