Searching for Utility Assistance Programs

This listing describes where to get emergency help to pay a utility bill

LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LEAP)
Provides emergency relief with financial grants of up to $1000 per calendar year for eligible low-income customers

• amount is applied directly to the outstanding balance
  
• for natural gas bills contact United Way Simcoe Muskoka, 1-855-487-5327
  
• for electricity/hydro bills contact Salvation Army, Burlington Community and Family Services, 905-637-3893

ONTARIO ELECTRICITY SUPPORT PROGRAM (OESP)
Provides a monthly credit of $35-$113 to eligible customers based on household income and household size

• credits are applied directly to eligible customers' bills
  
• for assistance with applying call Salvation Army, Burlington Community and Family Services, 905-637-3893 or St. Christopher's Anglican Church, Open Doors Program, 905-634-1809

Housing Stability Fund
One-time assistance for utility bills

• contact Halton Region at 3-1-1 or 905-825-6000
  
• see separate listing here

Programming includes:
* Food Bank, for details see separate listing here
* Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), for details see separate listing here
* personal development coaching
* back to school supplies, winter coats and Christmas assistance

Emergency services include:
* Lighthouse Emergency Shelter, for details see separate listing here

The Rent Ready program provides financial support for utility and rent costs to people in Hamilton who have a low income or who receive support through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Rent Ready is NOT a mandatory benefit.

The Rent Ready program provides financial support for utility and rent costs to people in Hamilton who have a low income or who receive support through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Rent Ready is NOT a mandatory benefit.

Due to COVID-19 the Hamilton Housing Help Centre is closed to walk-in visits. Services are available via phone and email.

Helps people with a low income maintain their housing. ODSP recipients can receive help with last month's rent, rent arrears and utility arrears. People with low income can receive help with utility & rent arrears.

The fund's purpose is to help residents of Halton maintain their housing

• offers individuals and families one time assistance with basic housing expenses including last month's rent, rent and utility arrears, storage or moving costs and furniture
• call 311 or send an email and your information will be taken by a Customer Service Representative and a Integrated Housing Worker will contact you within 2-4 business days to further discuss your request

See Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance for further assistance options

Objectives are to relieve poverty for people of all abilities, through programs like:

Food Bank
* see here for more details

Household Goods and Clothing
* when made aware of individual needs for clothing and household goods, OPNC post's those specific needs on Facebook page
* if you have items that you would like to donate, please contact in advance (do not drop off unless need is confirmed)
* annual winter coat drive

Finding Hope in Poverty Support Group
* free counselling and peer to peer support group
* Wed 10 am-11:30 am
* contact hope@opnc.ca

Year Round Income Tax Clinics
* see here for more details
* contact support@opnc.ca
* or visit haltontax.ca

Micro Finance Loans
* can assist with low interest loans for those who would not otherwise qualify (Subject to approval)
* contact support@opnc.ca for appointments

Canada Learning Bond
* Free Government Money for your child's education
* visit smartsaver.org for more details

Utility Bill Payment Assistance
* for more information see, Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance - Oakville

Financial Management Support
* budgeting, information and referral for support
* Wed & Thu 11:30 am-2:30 pm

Assistive Devices
* small inventory of items to give those in need
* ability to provide funding to purchase items
* contact hello@opnc.ca

A neighbourhood centre offering many different supports through community partnerships
* circle time (ages 1-3)
* art therapy
* one-on-one counselling
* Circles of Reconciliation
* Peer Support program
* Anti-Human Trafficking Support

Harm Reduction
* harm reduction supplies and naloxone overdose prevention kits
* community support and referrals
* regular visits from Halton Harm Reduction van

Food Pantry
* for more information, see here

Year Round Income Tax Assistance
* for more information, see here

Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance
* for more information, see here

Other community agencies providing programs at this location include:
* The Bridge: Halton
* STRIDE
* Home Suite Hope
* Women's Centre of Halton
* CMHA Halton
* Elizabeth Fry Society
* SAVIS
* ADAPT
* Summit Housing and Outreach Programs

Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP):

• provides up to $500 assistance with paying bills for low income households where there is danger of disconnection
• provide copy of bill, proof rent/mortgage is up to date, 2 months bank statements and ID for all in household

Hydro:

• call 905-257-6029 ext 105

Gas:

• call 1-855-487-5327 Simcoe Muskoka United Way- LEAP Program 8:30 am-4 pm to begin intake
• United Way will send a partially completed intake form to Oak Park
• Oak Park will call you when the form arrives and ask you to come in with the documents listed above to complete the form
• they will then send the form back to the United Way to see if you will be assisted

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP):

• provides $30-$75 discount per month on hydro bills for residents whose income falls below the Low Income Measure (LIM) cutoff
• the online application can be done if everyone in the household over 17 has completed their income tax and if they have a printer to print off the consent form to mail
• if individuals have not done their taxes or if they now make less than what is on their taxes and that has put them below the poverty line then they must go to Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre for staff to complete the application by looking at bank statements or tax returns to establish that they are living below poverty line and then staff will submit it on their behalf
• contact Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre for more information

Objectives are to relieve poverty for people of all abilities, through programs like:

Food Bank
* see here for more details

Household Goods and Clothing
* when made aware of individual needs for clothing and household goods, OPNC post's those specific needs on Facebook page
* if you have items that you would like to donate, please contact in advance (do not drop off unless need is confirmed)
* annual winter coat drive

Finding Hope in Poverty Support Group
* free counselling and peer to peer support group
* Wed 10 am-11:30 am
* contact hope@opnc.ca

Year Round Income Tax Clinics
* see here for more details
* contact support@opnc.ca
* or visit haltontax.ca

Micro Finance Loans
* can assist with low interest loans for those who would not otherwise qualify (Subject to approval)
* contact support@opnc.ca for appointments

Canada Learning Bond
* Free Government Money for your child's education
* visit smartsaver.org for more details

Utility Bill Payment Assistance
* for more information see, Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance - Oakville

Financial Management Support
* budgeting, information and referral for support
* Wed & Thu 11:30 am-2:30 pm

Assistive Devices
* small inventory of items to give those in need
* ability to provide funding to purchase items
* contact hello@opnc.ca

This listing describes the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) credit, and where to get emergency help to pay a utility bill

ONTARIO ELECTRICITY SUPPORT PROGRAM (OESP)

• Applies $35-$113 credit directly on each monthly hydro bill for those below the Low Income Measure cutoff
• to apply call 1-855-831-8151 (Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm) or see website here
• if you need help applying call Salvation Army, Milton Community and Family Services, 905-875-1022

EMERGENCY HELP TO PAY UTILITY BILLS

Housing Stability Fund (one-time assistance for gas or hydro bills)

• contact Halton Region at 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here

Energy Assistance Program (one-time emergency help for Union Gas bills)

• provides a one-time grant (up to $1000) for those behind on payments and at risk for disconnection
• to apply contact United Way Simcoe Muskoka, 1-855-487-5327, Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm or see website here

LEAP Program (one-time emergency help for electricity/hydro bills)

• to apply contact Salvation Army, Milton Community and Family Services, 905-875-1022

A Christian organization which provides community programming and Christian teaching for both children and adults

Community and Family Services include:

• food bank
• spiritual needs
• subsidized Summer Day Camp
• youth programs
• Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), providing one time help with those struggling to pay their hydro arrears
• Christmas assistance
• volunteers always welcome, contact office for more information

Explains different housing types and how to apply, and directs to other housing-related listings in this directory
* for emergency shelters see separate listing here


NONPROFIT HOUSING
Housing operated to fill a social need, not as a business
* may be owned by government, nonprofits or charities, co-operatives, etc.
* some is subsidized (reserved for people with low income), some is 'market rent' (open to people of any income)
* some is reserved for seniors or people with disabilities (may have supportive services, like meals, personal support, etc.)

How to find and apply to nonprofit housing:
For complete list see Halton Region website here
Details for each listing show how to apply, but in general:
* for most market-rent units, apply directly to individual housing provider
* for most (but not all) subsidized units, apply through HATCH (at Halton Region 905-825-6000, or see separate HATCH listing here)

Halton Housing Help
Contact at Halton Region 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here
* can help explain the housing system, how to search and apply


PRIVATE RENTAL MARKET
Housing that is privately owned, rented as a for-profit business

How to find private rental market housing:
Halton Housing Help
Contact at Halton Region 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here
* provides free help and support to tenants to find and keep rental housing
* posts listings of available housing (see here)

Rental listings can also be found in local newspapers, and on websites such as gottarent, viewit, Kijiji, etc.


YOUTH HOUSING
Bridging the Gap
For youth, ages 16 to 24, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
* call 905-635-0663 or see full listing here

Community Youth Programs
Offers residential placement for youth, ages 15 to 18, not able to live with family but not ready for independent living
* call 905-845-9718 or see full listing here

Support House
Offers a full range of supportive housing options for youth ages 16 and up with mental health and/or substance use issues
* call toll free 1-833-845-9355 or see full listing here


HELP TO PAY DEPOSITS OR RENT
Halton Region Housing Stability Fund
One-time assistance with basic housing expenses to help people maintain their housing
* call Halton Region 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here

VETS Canada
For Canadian veterans who are in crisis, at risk of becoming homeless, or are homeless
* call toll free 1-888-228-3871 ext 121 or see separate listing here


HELP TO PAY UTILITIES
See separate listings for Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance here


PROPERTY TAX REBATES AND DEFERRALS
Property Tax Rebate (for lower-income seniors or people with disabilities)
See separate listings for Burlington * Oakville * Milton * Halton Hills or contact your local municipal government

Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program (for lower-income seniors)
* call Halton Region at 905-825-6000 or see full listing here


LEGAL HELP FOR HOUSING
Halton Community Legal Services
Provides free legal assistance to those with low income, for housing and landlord/tenant issues
* call 905-875-2069 or see full listing here

COVID19 -- call or email concerning service updates


Information and referral to community services

Settlement information for immigrants and refugees (including GARs)

• job search and housing help; information about health and education system
• in-home settlement visits available
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry, childminding may be available for attendees with children 2 to 6 years, bus fare for eligible attendees
• computer/Zoom classes: Zoom classes open to all who want to learn video conferencing via the Zoom app; class outside LINC/ESL class time

Seniors programs including information and referral, social activities -- membership, help applying for benefits

Family abuse, mental health and rights information

Community Volunteer Income Tax program for low income families

Help for low-income families and seniors

• applying for Ontario Works in Peel or for Peel Access to Housing
• assistance with applications for OESP (Ontario Electricity Support Program)
• help to apply for COVID-19 support benefits

Commissioner for taking affidavits

Immigrant Services -- settlement information and orientation to life in Canada

• needs assessment
• referral to other agencies and government services
• help filling in government forms and applications
• Commissioner of Oaths, document translation and interpretation with service providers
• crisis support counselling
• Youth Achieving Employment Project (YAE) research project to develop an intervention for recent postsecondary graduates struggling to find employment
• Mississauga Cycles cycling mentorship and do-it-yourself Bike Hub
• New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) where seniors help seniors learn computer based social networking skills, digital photography, event management, report writing and also a social and physical exercise club

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) -- sector specific language training with job search workshops and a co-op placement
English Conversation Circles (ECC), and ESL Home Based Business Language Training

Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST Program)

• group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
• trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

Community Services

• digital Literacy Training
• free seasonal income tax clinic
• mobile dental clinic
• Orientation to Ontario (O2O) webinars

Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications

COVID19 -- services and classes being offered online and in-person; for information or to register and for all other settlement service inquiries, call 905-306-0577 ext 227 or email at info@ncpeel.ca; Crisis Services Direct Lines 416-455-8252 or 416-450-8734

------------ ------------- ---------------

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• English classes
• LINC classes running online and in-person
• childminding may be available; part-time or full-time classes

Labour Market Access for Newcomers

• employment and business start-up assistance
• resume writing and job search skills
• networking and interview skills
• in-person and online classes

Settlement Services

• information and referral
• translation, interpretation and certification of documents
• citizenship preparation classes
• assistance with forms and applications, including access to Ontario Electricity Support Program
• workshops

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

• services delivered in elementary and secondary schools in Mississauga during the school year
• information about the school system
• parent and youth-specific workshops with information on topics such as housing, health care and job search

Community Connections Mentorship Program

• group activities for newly arrived immigrant and refugee youth, adults and seniors
• trained volunteer mentors
• homework help for youth
• computer classes and low impact exercise for seniors

Bridging Generations -- Stronger Parents, Stronger Community

• tools to de-escalate conflicts and advocate for children
• helps parents define acceptable behavior, respond to their children's needs and reinforce their family's values

Programs include:

Food Bank: Available once per month for perishable and non-perishable grocery pickup, and once per week for perishable items such as fresh produce, bread and any items we may have an excess of.

Housing: Provides support in completion of Niagara Regional Housing applications. Assesses the need for and makes referrals to partners and emergency shelters.

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro). Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to lower electricity bills for low-income households.

Dental Assistance: Brushed Aside partner agency. Provide access to dental care for adults in need of dental treatment for pain/infection or dentures.

Identification Clinic: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, assists clients with replacing birth certificates, citizenship cards, records of landing, marriage certificates, health cards, and delayed statements of birth. Clients can also access safe storage of identifications.

Trusteeship: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, provides money management and direct distribution of funds to eligible clients.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart: Provides financially disadvantaged children, aged 4-18 years, with the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities.

Back to School Program: Provides a backpack filled with school supplies to children and youth from low-income families. Works in partnership with the Jumpstart Sneaker Program in providing a new pair of sneakers. Clients can call the main number or email clientservices@communitycarewn.ca to register.

Birthday Program: Registered clients can select gifts for their children's birthdays.

CCWN gratefully accepts donations of fresh perishable and nonperishable food items. Please drop off donations at receiving area (rear of building) Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm.

A non-profit, charitable organization that enhances the quality of life for members of the community who seek assistance and support.

Offers food, clothing, emergency assistance and the following programs:

• Step-Up - funding towards recreational activities for children in low income families
• Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP) intake office
• Vouchers available for clothing or household items
• Resource materials
• Referrals for personal counseling

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro). Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to reduce hydro bills. Can assist with other essential services in emergency situations. Must meet eligibility requirements.

Backpack Program: Offers backpacks filled with school supplies to children in JK-Grade 12.

Christmas Program: Provides food, toys and clothing to individuals and families in need at Christmastime.

Thrift Store: A gently used goods store, providing the following at a low cost to the public:

• furniture items
• large and small household goods
• electronics and appliances
• clothing, shoes, accessories
• sporting goods
• toys, books, movies

Also accepts donations during business hours. Funds generated go towards supporting the food bank and its programs.

Multiservice agency

• community information and referrals
• counselling, anger management
• counselling for youth and young adults
• employment assistance including resume/cover letter preparation, job search
• social housing application assistance
• year round income tax clinic
• leadership skills development
• children's breakfast club (on and off site)
• outreach
• workshops for women and youth
• social and recreation activities, including children's book club and youth homework club

Electricity bill support assistance -- lead intake agency for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) through Ontario Energy Board (OEB)

• pre-screening required, qualifying residents receive appointment to complete the application process
• Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications

Food, clothing, and toy distribution -- for new immigrants, refugees and Ontario Works recipients

• intake assessment required
• annual Christmas toy distribution application deadline October 15

Newcomer Information Services

• information and referrals, including immigration, employment and community services
• counselling
• some form filling assistance
• access to computers

COVID19 -- Call or visit website for COVID-related changes


Multi-service agency

Conflict Resolution Service: for individuals or groups to resolve disputes, disagreements, or concerns through free and confidential community mediation

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

• Peel Region lead intake agency for LEAP (hydro) through Ontario Energy Board
• pre-screening required, qualifying residents receive appointment to complete the application process
• access centre for OESP -- assistance with applications
• for more information on LEAP for Enbridge Gas, contact United Way Simcoe Muskoka, 1-855-487-5327

Seasonal Income Tax Clinic -- by appointment

Orientation/Settlement Program

• assistance accessing health services, education, English language class referrals, translation and interpretation
• orientation and information workshops, referrals regarding government services
• assistance filling out government forms including forms for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
• solution-focused counselling
• individual advocacy when needed to obtain community and government services
• translation of foreign documents for settlement and educational purposes; Commissioner of Oaths for verifying documents

Health and Wellness Support Services for Newcomers -- one-on-one sessions to address stress, depression, anxiety, or loneliness; support groups and workshops; referrals to other mental health services

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• English classes, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
• childminding may be available for attendees with children 6 months to 6 years
• bus fare for eligible clients
• evening and weekend classes

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

• assists newcomer students and their families with settling into their schools and communities
• outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June

Newcomer Youth Community Engagement (NYCE)

• helps newcomer youth learn about Canadian culture and society, and interact with youth their own age
• volunteers assist with English language skills, social skills, leadership building activities, life skills workshops

Disability and Settlement Services

• for newcomers with a disability
• information and referral, advocacy

EarlyON Child and Family Centres -- see separate entries

Growing Together in Peel (CAPC)

• for families with young children birth-6 years looking for extra help and living on low incomes
• play programs, parenting information, emotional support
• nutrition programs/food security

Caregivers' and Seniors Support Program

• education, information and referrals for caregivers and vulnerable seniors
• language specific groups and groups with people from all cultures offered

Volunteer opportunities

Community support programs in Halton Hills:

• information and referral regarding health and social service agencies
• assistance and advocacy support to individuals and families experiencing difficulties, especially those who have no other place to go
• volunteers prepare income tax returns for people who have a modest income and a simple tax situation
• Help with Gas and Hydro Program offers funding to lower income families and individuals who are at risk of having their service disconnected, and have exhausted all other sources of financial aid
• needs coordination matches those who need household items with those who are able to provide them
• transitional housing is available for families who are homeless * rent geared to income * community support coordinator provides family support
• Holiday Hampers provides hampers of children's clothing and toys for families experiencing financial difficulties
• Backpack Program provides school supplies to children in need * application available online (apply before August 12) * contact jbattista@links2care.ca
• Jumpstart Program (in partnership with Canadian Tire) provides financial help for kids' sports and recreational activities
• Fresh Food Box supplies fresh produce monthly at a reasonable cost

Seniors Programs in Halton Hills:

• Meals on Wheels, Meals on Ice, Wheels to Meals, congregate dining
• letter Carriers alert * provides reassurance and a check on the well-being of those living alone who receive mail delivery to their door * in partnership with Georgetown and Acton postal workers
• supportive housing program provides essential support services to eligible seniors living at Lakeview Villa in Acton

Youth Programs:

• Off the Wall (Acton)
• Open Door (Georgetown)
• individual youth and family support available in person, by phone and over the internet

Children's Programs:

• Georgetown Parent-Child Centre

Links2Kids School Age Programs

• Acton Parent-Child Resource Centre

Parenting Programs:

• individual parenting support
• parenting programs available through the Parent Child Resources Centres

Care At Home - Hot and Frozen Meals - Program enables older adults and adults with a disability to have access to affordable meals in their home * meals include hot meals (Meals on Wheels), frozen meals (Meals on Ice), volunteers taking people to a local restaurant (Wheels to Meals), and Congregate Dining (designated seniors apartment buildings in Acton and georgetown)

Care In The Community - Care Connections of Halton Hills - A community hub of service agencies sharing space to offer easier access to integrated health and social services * Care Connection Partners include

Services and Programs:

• Care At Home - Congregate Dining
• Links2Care - Acton - Wallace St
• Links2Care - Georgetown - James St
• Links2Care - Georgetown - Joseph Gibbons Public School
• Links2Care - Georgetown - Park Public School

As of February 16, 2021, Peel residents will apply directly to the Ontario government for Ontario Works, using the new online application process. Visit website for more information.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm -- automated information, payment details, file status

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• prescription drug coverage under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• health benefits including medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation
• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials

Employment supports -- adult clients must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

• referrals to job counselling, training programs, basic education
• access to telephones, faxes, computers and job banks
• for more information contact caseworker or access additional supports by booking an appointment with closest Employment Ontario office

Housing Stability program -- provides financial and non-financial assistance to elegible residents of Peel Region to get or keep affordable housing

Past-due bills or rent -- help with utility bills or rent to avoid eviction, visit website to apply

Affordable Transit program -- for residents of Brampton or Mississauga who cant afford a monthly bus pass, visit website to apply

Programs include:

Food Bank: Available once per month for perishable and non-perishable grocery pickup, and once per week for perishable items such as fresh produce, bread and any items we may have an excess of.

Housing: Provides support in completion of Niagara Regional Housing applications. Assesses the need for and makes referrals to partners and emergency shelters.

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro). Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to lower electricity bills for low-income households.

Dental Assistance: Brushed Aside partner agency. Provide access to dental care for adults in need of dental treatment for pain/infection or dentures.

Identification Clinic: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, assists clients with replacing birth certificates, citizenship cards, records of landing, marriage certificates, health cards, and delayed statements of birth. Clients can also access safe storage of identifications.

Trusteeship: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, provides money management and direct distribution of funds to eligible clients.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart: Provides financially disadvantaged children, aged 4-18 years, with the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities.

Back to School Program: Provides a backpack filled with school supplies to children and youth from low-income families. Works in partnership with the Jumpstart Sneaker Program in providing a new pair of sneakers. Clients can call the main number or email clientservices@communitycarewn.ca to register.

Birthday Program: Registered clients can select gifts for their children's birthdays.

CCWN gratefully accepts donations of fresh perishable and nonperishable food items. Please drop off donations at receiving area (rear of building) Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm.

Housing Services

• housing counselling
• information and referral
• matches tenants with landlords, eviction prevention, landlord outreach and recruitment, housing listings

MyAccesstoHousingTO (Housing Connections, see separate entry) Community Partner -- assistance with housing search and application process

Rent Bank access centre -- interest-free repayable loans to low-income households who are in rental arrears or need to move into more suitable housing

• must have legal status in Canada and meet income requirements
• clients of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program may be eligible
• landlord and tenant mediation
• money management advice
• follow-up search assistance and community referrals
• also interest-free loans for first and last month's rent deposit to move into more affordable housing

Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications

• also for LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), sponsored by Toronto Hydro Electric System and United Way Toronto -- assistance to low income individuals and families who are in arrears for their electricity utility bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support
• for help with Enbridge gas bills call 1-855-487-5327