Searching for Housing Expense Assistance

Offers a property tax credit to older adults who own residential property in Hamilton.

• last month's rent
• rent arrears
• utility arrears
• appliances and mattresses
• bed bug prevention
• moving costs

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

Senior/Older Adult rebate and tax deferral programs

• you may only take part in one of these programs
• for more information, please contact serviceoakville@oakville.ca

Senior's Property Tax Rebate Program

• tax rebate of $500 per year is available to property owners 65 years of age or older whose combined household income of all persons residing in their property is less than $32,442 in 2021 (reevaluated each year)
• to be eligible, no other parties other than the owner(s) and/or spouse can reside on the property, and the property must be a personal residence, as well as other restrictions
• Application for 2023 tax year will be available in July 2023

Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program (Halton Region)

• see here for more details

Older Adults/Disabled Year-Over-Year Property Tax Increase Deferral

• 65 or older, or are disabled, with a combined household income under $57,800
• may be eligible to defer any year over year increase to your property tax
• a lien will be registered against the property and the amount deferred will become payable upon the sale of the property
• an annual renewal application is required to remain in the program, as well as other restrictions
• more detailed information and application can be found here

• non-medical assistance provided for activities of daily living in the home, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and helping with range of motion
• also assists individuals requiring more complex supports that may include g-tube feeding, tracheotomy supports as well as other activities of daily living.

• volunteers work with persons with mobility challenges to craft creative, custom-built solutions to overcome barriers to work, play, personal hygiene and other daily activities
• no charge, except for building materials

• 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

• 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

• short and long-term counselling and case management for individuals with mental health and substance use issues
• grants and financial support individuals experiencing housing issues
• mobile outreach for people living on the streets or who are under-housed and have mental health and addiction issues
• court support, and pre-charge diversion program (Caledon)
• system navigation and case management for seniors experiencing neglect and abuse

• Housing Loan Program - assists Six Nations members in obtaining housing loans for new or renovation/repair construction purposes
  
• Approved Lender Loan (Bank) Program - provides Six Nations members with the option of obtaining for an on reserve home from a financial institution
  
• Accessibility Program - provides loans for seniors and/or physically disabled Six Nations members
  
• Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) - federally-funded program that addresses mandatory repairs for structurally damaged homes and for health and safety reasons
  
• Housing Inspections - inspections for new house construction, repairs, additions or to inspect prior to purchase
  
• Rental Properties - 1 to 3 bedroom units for rent
  
• Commercial Properties - a portfolio of commercial buildings developed to provide suitable infrastructure for Council projects, community services, and private enterprise
  
• Sanitation Incentive Program - assists Six Nations members in obtaining safe and environmentally friendly septic systems, cisterns and wells

• financial assistance is made up of two parts - basic needs and shelter

• Family Support Program - mandatory for all sole support parents and blended families with children from previous relationships
  
• Innovations - 4-week education, skills, and personal development program

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

• 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

• 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

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

• Assist with a missed rent payment that will lead to homelessness
• Assist with last month's rent deposit for someone who is currently experiencing homelessness

• utility arrears
• utility deposits
• housing-related arrears
• last month's rent

• diversion and prevention - stabilizes those at imminent risk of homelessness to maintain their housing or find alternative accommodation through access to case management and financial supports
  
• financial management services - acts as homelessness prevention for voluntary and mandatory clients needing support with their finances to maintain housing stability. The service ensures the payment of rent and utilities and access to case management supports
  
• ID clinic - provides financial supports to obtain a birth certificate, health card and other forms of ID. Staff will help complete the applications and may help with the cost of renewal or application fees
  
• rapid rehousing - Immediate access to short-term case management and financial support to avoid or exit emergency accommodations into permanent housing with necessary wrap around supports
  
• Housing Stability Fund - program can help obtain and maintain stable housing by providing utility arrears and deposits, housing related arrears or last month's rent
  
• outreach - community-based support
  
• access to emergency shelter

• drug coverage for most of the cost of prescription drugs for eligible family members
• special diet requirements due to a medical condition
• pregnancy nutritional/breastfeeding allowance for coverage of dietary needs during pregnancy and for 12 months after delivery if breastfeeding
• health-related Items such as diabetic supplies, surgical supplies and, dressings, approved medical transportation of $15 or more per month, and a guide dog benefit
• employment-related benefits when starting a new job or employment assistance activity

• Ontario Renovates program - a homeowner's financial assistance home maintenance repair program, for low to moderate-income households
  
• B-Home (Brantford Home Ownership Made Easier) program - gives financial assistance for a down payment on a home, to low-income earners

• provides professional property management services for city-owned residential housing located within the City of Brantford and County of Brant County, including both subsidized and non-subsidized residential housing properties
  
• provides contract management services for municipal and private non-profit housing corporations on a fee-for-service basis

• preventative action to help those at risk of homelessness
• individualized plans for those struggling to attain a long-term residence

• prevention assistance supports households in preserving their current housing situation
• diversion support assists adults and families in finding housing outside of shelter
• prevention and diversion services help stabilize current situations while assisting with a permanent housing solution

• assess needs of individuals and families through a standardized assessment tool
• assist with aquiring suitable housing
• identify intervention recommendations
• supports their transition to a case manager

• previously known as the Warming Centre
• provides coffee, shower, and overnight shelter
• accommodates up to 27 people on a first-come, first-served basis
• supported by Diversion team, Housing Stability Outreach and Housing Focused Outreach

• individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, mental health issues and / or addiction
• Mon-Sun, 24/7 support services

• supports approximately 40 people who are experiencing homelessness
• Stepping Stone works in collaboration with community organizations to deliver mental health, addiction, and medical support to individuals staying at the shelter
• focus is to provide access to food, showers, nursing, harm reduction, and court support
• individuals have their own rooms, common space, etc.
• support team (shelter support and housing stability staff), on site 24/7 to support residents and help them achieve their housing goals

• supports a caseload of individuals and families who have completed the common assessment tools
• a recovery-oriented approach to ending homelessness
• quick movement from homelessness into independent and permanent housing
• provide additional supports and services as needed