Our Story
The Cooper Housing Institute (CHI) is a private foundation created by the Cooper family, owners of WNC & Associates, Inc., (WNC) a national leader in affordable rental housing investment and development.
The Cooper’s 50+ year history in affordable housing and active engagement in public policy underscores their understanding of and commitment to the broader impact of housing on society. In 2018, the family formed CHI to leverage their deep understanding of affordable housing dynamics and business strategy to tackle the growing housing crises in America.
Overseeing investments in affordable housing in 49 states, CHI’s founders bring access to an extensive network of affordable housing developers, investors, lenders, technical experts, state allocators, and other stakeholders. CHI seeks to harness this broad network as a hub to collaborate with experts, support research initiatives, and catalyze partnerships that hold the potential to yield enduring, transformative change necessary to solve the housing crises plaguing America.
We support the innovative thinkers, research scientists & community leaders critical to solving the root causes of the growing housing crises in America.
By providing grants for useful and actionable research, catalyzing awareness and education, building bipartisan consensus and strengthening community-based organizations, CHI aims to ensure a new era for affordable housing in the U.S.
Behind CHI is the Cooper Family, industry trailblazers who have cultivated an understanding that intelligent and innovative public policy built on data, insights and sound economics is the path to more affordable housing.
Then, by natural extension, national prosperity and higher living standards for all.
Our Mission
Our Vision
From Discovery to Advancement
We take the effort and steps necessary to develop truly informed solutions. From fundamental research and raising awareness to economically feasible and actionable insights, CHI takes a comprehensive approach that leaves no stone unturned in our pursuit of true progress.
Creating Outstanding Communities
The strength of our community connection is the foundation for national prosperity. By engaging community organizations directly and driving critical public-private collaboration, we take the most informed and efficient route towards a nation where everyone has access to affordable housing.
A Life Dedicated to Impact
Real change requires real commitment. We are a collaborative foundation of individuals dedicated to finding a permanent solution for a chronic problem in affordable housing and homelessness in the United States. For the Cooper’s and CHI, this goes beyond our company mission—it is our life mission.
