QCHC was formed in 1987 as an independent peak body for housing co-operatives.

In 1996 a new constitution was adopted which opened membership to all types of community housing organisations.  The adoption of a new consitution in March 2001 has broadened the voting membership.  Directors are now elected by voting members in each of the 12 Queensland regions to represent their region's interests on the QCHC Board.

Since then membership has risen dramatically and QCHC now represents over 300 community housing organisations throughout Queensland, including multi-program housing providers, Local Government Authorities, Housing Co-operatives, organisations which are part of Crisis Accommodation Program (CAP) and Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) services, Community Rent Schemes (CRS), and Regional Indigenous Housing Organisations (RIHOs).

In 2009, QCHC reshaped itself as an industry body with its focus upon resourcing and capacity building for social and affordable housing providers.