Trillium helps bridge the financing gap between what a lender will approve and the price of a home. Many buyers can afford ownership but are blocked by insufficient equity. Trillium fills that gap.

It is a shared equity second mortgage. It works alongside your primary mortgage and is structured to reduce your upfront and monthly burden without changing how you own your home.

No. It is for financially capable buyers who fall just short of qualifying under conventional lending. These are working households who need a structural gap solved, not assistance.

No. You only make payments on your first mortgage. There are no monthly payments on the Trillium Mortgage.

Yes. Your name is on title. You live in, maintain, and make decisions about your home just like any other homeowner.

No. Trillium is not involved in your day-to-day ownership. The only involvement is at refinance or sale, when the shared equity portion is settled.

You must be able to qualify for a first mortgage, have stable income, provide a minimum down payment (typically 5%), and intend to live in the home.

There is no strict "cut-off," but the program is designed for moderate-income households who are priced out of traditional ownership despite being financially stable.

No, but you must meet standard mortgage qualification requirements. Trillium works with buyers who are financially responsible and positioned for long-term success.

Trillium shares in the future appreciation of the home. There are no monthly payments or interest charges on the Trillium portion.

You keep the majority. The split is based on the proportion of the total purchase that Trillium contributed. The longer you stay, the more equity you build.

Yes, in many cases partial or full repayment can occur at refinance. This is planned with you and your mortgage partner.

The Trillium Mortgage is repaid from the sale proceeds, along with its share of appreciation. The remaining equity is yours.

Yes. Refinancing is part of the model. A portion of the Trillium Mortgage may be repaid at that time, depending on your situation.

You sell your home on the open market like any other homeowner. There are no resale price caps or artificial restrictions.

No. The Trillium Mortgage is only available within approved developments where Trillium has partnered with the builder.

Because the model is integrated into the project from the start. This ensures a smooth process, aligned financing, and consistent execution.

You can view current and upcoming Trillium Housing developments directly on the website. Availability depends on active projects.

No. Trillium fills the buyer's financing gap, not the developer's margin. Units are sold at market price.

No. The model is designed as plug-and-play. Trillium and its mortgage partner handle all qualification and administration.

Creditworthy, employed households who are ready to buy but fall just short on equity. These are not high-risk buyers.

Trillium is a nonprofit capital platform. It deploys capital into shared equity mortgages and recycles returns to fund future homeowners.

Returns are generated through shared appreciation when homes are sold or refinanced.

No. The model is designed so impact and financial sustainability are aligned. Supporting homeownership drives both outcomes.

Moderate-income households including teachers, healthcare workers, tradespeople, and young families who are currently priced out of ownership.

No. This is not a subsidy or grant. It is a structured financing solution that enables ownership within the existing market.

Homeownership builds equity, stability, and intergenerational opportunity. Trillium enables families to move from renting to owning and begin building wealth.

No. Trillium is an independent Ontario nonprofit that works within the private housing market.

Since 2013, with more than 400 homes delivered across Ontario in partnership with experienced developers.

To solve a structural problem in housing: capable families being locked out of ownership due to an equity gap, not an income problem.

Trillium is guided by a Board of Directors with deep expertise in housing policy, urban planning, governance, and finance.

Because the model operates at the intersection of housing, finance, and community impact. Strong governance ensures long-term discipline and trust.

By providing strategic oversight, policy insight, and experience navigating complex housing systems across Ontario and beyond.

Trillium Housing is led and owned by co-founder Joe Deschênes Smith. He co-founded the organization in 2013 alongside Richard Owner and Fred Heller and has guided its growth ever since.

Trillium was founded by Joe Deschênes Smith, Richard Owner, and Fred Heller. Together, they combined expertise in housing policy, development, and real estate finance to build the Trillium model.

Richard Owner and Fred Heller retired in 2022. Joe Deschênes Smith continues to lead Trillium Housing today, overseeing its next phase of growth and expansion.