We Value Fit,
Not Time
How We Select New Members
We don’t have a traditional waitlist—our co-op selects new members based on fit, rather than how long they've waited. Applications are kept on file for one year in our Member Selection Pool. With an average of 150 applications per unit size, being part of the pool doesn’t guarantee a spot, but it’s the first step in joining our vibrant, inclusive community.
We don’t use the term "waitlist" because it implies everyone on it
will eventually get a spot, which isn’t accurate. Instead, we call it our Member Selection Pool. While a place in the pool doesn’t guarantee a unit,
it’s the first step to joining our co-op.
Here’s a quick look at how it works:
Unit Available: When a unit opens up, the membership committee reviews all applications in our Member Selection Pool that match the unit size.
First Selection: About 12 prospective members are chosen for an interview.
Interview Invitation: We call these applicants to schedule a unit tour and interview.
On Interview Day:
You’ll tour the available unit and then meet with 4 to 5 members of the membership committee for a one-hour interview.
We’ll discuss topics like your volunteer experience, why you’d like to join, and whether you’re a good fit for our diverse, open-minded community. You can also ask any questions you may have.
Second Round: After the first interviews, the committee narrows it down to the top 2 or 3 applicants, who are invited for a second 30-minute interview.
Final Decision: Once all interviews are completed, we select the best fit and conduct a financial background check. If all goes well, the unit is offered to the new member.
This process usually takes about 3 weeks, giving new members time to give their current landlord 1 month’s notice. For more details, check out our FAQ page or email us at sojourn.membership@gmail.com
How to Apply
We are currently accepting applications for our Member Selection Pool! While we don’t have any vacancies at the moment, we encourage you to apply for the unit size you need by downloading the appropriate application form from the links below:
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT 3 BEDROOMS
Please note that our building has only three 3-bedroom units, which become available very rarely (approximately once every 10 years or more). These units are first offered to internal members before being made available to the public. If you require a 3-bedroom unit, we recommend also applying to other co-ops that may have more availability, such as
Amicae Co-op in Vancouver's West End.
Once your application is complete,
you can send it via email to:
sojourn.membership@gmail.com
or mail it to:
Sojourn Housing Co-op
Attention: Membership Committee
1763 Nelson Street
Vancouver, BC V6G 1M6
ABOUT SUBSIDIZED HOUSING
Applicants requiring a subsidy are welcome to apply; however, we currently have no subsidized units available. Subsidized units become available only when we fall below our current maximum, and it's difficult to predict when that might happen.
MINIMUM FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
To be considered, applications must meet our minimum financial requirements.
If they do not, they will not be kept on file.
1-bedroom (small): $40,480
1-bedroom (large): $41,520
2-bedroom (small): $44,560
2-bedroom (large): $53,200
3-bedroom: $61,920
HOW TO KEEP YOUR APPLICATION ACTIVE
Mark your calendar: August 1st!
Every year in August, we audit all applications received over the past 12 months. To stay on the waitlist, applicants who applied on or before March 31st must submit an updated application form in July, ensuring it arrives by August 1st. If we do not receive an updated application by that date, the applicant will be removed from the Member Selection Pool.
Special Exception:
Applications submitted between March 31st and August 1st will remain on file until August 1st of the following year. These applicants will only need to submit an updated form by the following August.
We look forward to receiving your application!