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 375 community housing organisations throughout Queenslan, including Housing Associations, 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).

QCHC advocates to the Department of Housing on behalf of all community housing organisations within Queensland.