This report examines the character & role of housing trust funds (HTFs) in the United States and their potential & applicability in Canada. Such funds are essentially organizations that have secured a permanent source of ongoing revenue committed to the provision of affordable housing. These revenues are generally established through legislation or ordinance and nearly all come directly or indirectly from government sources. After an introduction, chapter 2 reviews the conditions that led to the creation of HTFs in the US and chapter 3 describes the main features of HTFs, including their sources of revenue & administration. Chapter 4 profiles a number of US HTFs, describing in greater detail their background, purpose, revenues, administration, and accomplishments. Chapters 5 & 6 profile some corresponding HTFs in Canada and some other similar funds, both existing & under consideration. Appendices include a list of dedicated revenue sources for HTFs and an overview of US state legislation that has enabled HTFs.