Winnipegs North End neighbourhoods are experiencing significant decline in decent affordable housing units. Societal changes, including a shift away from the traditional nuclear family and need for single detached housing units, contribute to a call for new housing models. As well, governments increasingly reduced role in the provision of social housing has left third sector parties and non-profit housing organizations challenged with the task to develop affordable housing projects for low-income communities.This study explores non-profit housing organizations and the problems and prospects of developing cohousing projects for low-income communities. Cohousing is a relatively new housing typology that emerged from Denmark in the early 1970s. By working together and combining resources and energies, cohousing communities have the advantage of private homes and the convenience of shared services and amenities that enhance affordability by reducing household expenses.In reference to a cohousing case study proposed by one local non-profit housing provider, this thesis (a) identifies barriers and opportunities to developing cohousing projects; (b) explores the role(s) cohousing models play or are positioned to play in low-income communities; and (c) cultivates enhancement recommendations for non-profit housing groups interested in developing cohousing projects. The study includes findings from the proposed case study, a literature review and a series of qualitative interviews with case study and cohousing respondents. The literature review addresses related topics, such as the emergence of non-profit housing organizations in Canada, issues facing community-based non-profit housing organizations and cohousing projects in European and North American contexts.Through the empirical findings, it was established that (a) cohousing is as much a process as it is a new housing model; (b) non-profit housing organizations best serve as facilitators to what should be a resident- or community-led cohousing process; and (c) non-profit housing organizations require extensive internal and external supports to facilitate the planning and development of cohousing projects.Overall findings reveal that non-profit housing organizations and low-income communities generally do not have the capacity nor the financial capital required to support collaborative cohousing planning processes and project costs associated with shared spaces and facilities. Consequently, this thesis argues for broader government support, additional resources and flexible funding for non-profit housing organizations to explore alternative housing models; facilitate the engagement of low-income communities in collaborative planning processes; and develop new housing models for changing housing needs.