Searching for Help To Find Housing

Housing

• manages the centralized waiting list for geared-to-income housing in the area

Information about and referral to agencies in the community providing housing supports

Housing supports may include:

• group homes and group living supports
• supported independent living
• host family home/associate living support

Francophone non-profit aiming to raise awareness in the community regarding violence against women, to support and equip affected women and their dependents

• education, prevention, awareness-raising in the community

Outreach Program:

• safety plan
• needs assessment
• individual counselling
• accompaniment to court, lawyer, police, etc.
• advocacy; and referrals
• individual counselling for children and youth

Transitional and Housing Support Programs:

• safety plan
• needs assessment
• find and keep suitable housing
• accompaniment
• assistance applying for documents and financial assistance
• budget assistance
• help when going back to school
• help finding a job

Pattern Changing Support Group: educational program to help abused women live a better life

Girls Only Support Group: for girls in grades 9 and 10

Hand in Hand Network: network of volunteers offering clients transportation, child care, shelter support, and community development

Self Discovery Group: Group for getting to know and accepting yourself

Information about and referral to agencies in the community providing housing supports

Housing supports may include:

• group homes and group living supports
• supported independent living
• host family home/associate living support

Support for adults with developmental disabilities

• residential services, including home sharer residences, supervised apartments and group homes
• jobs in partnership with Groupe Convex
• clinical services, including references for psychological assessments
• needs assessments for adults
• individual planning
• recreational and socio-cultural activities
• volunteer opportunities
• protection services

COVID-19 (April 24, 2020): Municipal offices are closed to the public until further notice, clients for Community and Social Service (CSS) are asked to email or telephone their caseworker

Satellite office for Social Housing and Ontario Works

• financial assistance and employment supports including training and skills development, academic upgrading and work placements

Rent-geared to income housing registry-- applications for subsidized housing

Rent supplement program-- additional rent-geared to income units through private landlords

Investent in Affordable Housing for Ontario (IAH)-- programs: Housing Allowance, Ontario Renovates, Homeownership

Financial Assistance -- Monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income * monthly drug benefit card

Employment and Participation benefits -- covers costs related to starting a job or work placement

• Families with Children -- child care start-up costs
• Health-Related Benefits -- may include emergency dental services, eyeglasses, special diet allowance, health care supplies, medical transportation funds, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials

Employment Assistance -- clients 18-65 years who are not caring for pre-school age children or who do not have a serious disability or illness must participate in employment assistance activities

Community Participation -- volunteer placements

• Job Search Programs -- based on individual's skills, experience and circumstances
• Employment Placement -- job matching service
• Basic Education -- basic adult upgrading
• high school upgrading
• literacy and basic skills
• Job Skills Training -- development of skills for specific jobs
• on-the-job training
• Supports to Self-Employment -- referrals to self-employment programs

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268 -- automated information and payment details, payment history, file status

• information and announcements about Ontario Works
• service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance

Community services, including:

Intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP):

• qualifications for reduction on electricity costs

Immigration services:

• establishment services
• counseling and assistance in immigration procedures
• application for various visas, for permanent residency, work permit, citizenship, sponsorship, etc.

Commissioners for Oaths available to validate

• oaths
• affirmations
• affidavits

Legal services:

• information and advice on immigrant and refugee rights
• guidance on judicial procedures
• defense of rights on various issues

Medical services:

• in-home doctor visits
• nursing and medical services at home

Social services:

• daycare services
• job search assistance
• job placement and internship
• support for creating and starting a business
• support for training and studies
• counselling services
• rehabilitation and monitoring of probation for minors
• radicalization prevention
• housing support services
• social activities
• interpretation and document translation
• language instruction
• placement assistance for volunteering in Africa and Canada
• financial and administrative assistance for funerary services
• maintenance of a directory for professionals and business men in Canada

Services to seniors:

• home visits
• transportation and accompaniment
• physical activity
• meditation and relaxation sessions
• foot care
• social outings

Services for individuals with a disability:

• social housing management
• budget management
• employment support
• family support

Funerals

• financial and administrative support

Bilingual individual/family centered service for children and adults

• helps people find available resources in the community that are needed to assist them in their daily lives

Services

Case Management:

• a collaborative, inclusive and individualized process
• work towards goal setting, planning, advocating and exploring available community resources to support the achievement of personal outcomes

Residential and Community Services (RCS):

• case management for youth in extended care with the Children's Aid Society (previously known as Crown Ward) receiving residential services with private supports
• resource coordinator helps to monitor quality of services received and transition to adult services

Developmental Services Ontario Eastern Region (DSOER):

• access point for adults with developmental disability
• aid with application, understanding services, access to funding, information and referral to appropriate community services

The Resource Room:

• currently closed due to the pandemic
• drop in
• ask about community resources for persons with developmental disabilities
• receive help in completing service application forms
• register for programs or services

Information about and referral to agencies in the community providing housing supports

Housing supports may include:

• group homes and group living supports
• supported independent living
• host family home/associate living support

Settlement service for Francophone immigrants and newcomers to Ottawa

• workers help the new arrivals and Francophone immigrants with the initial stages of settlement

Services:

Settlement Program/Welcoming Communities Program:

• needs assessments, orientation programs, language and skills training, and programs to welcome newcomers to the community

Interpretation and Translation services:

• helps clients in interpreting and understanding information, requests, documents they receive, etc
• clients may obtain services in their native languages

Couselling services:

• offers counselling to those facing challenges with their settlement

Employment preparation service:

• explains Canadian workplace realities, and helps with proactive job search and receiving professional and academic equivalences

Favors the domestic, social and economic integration and health of French Newcomers in Canadian society

• Health information
• home care
• help to find housing
• public services
• mediation accompaniment
• parent support for their child's education
• employment support
• economic integration
• health information
• home health care
• youth meetings
• socio-cultural meetings
• volunteering

Programs:

Carrière agronomique : helps newcomers who have experience in agronomy or agrology to continue in the same line of work

Regionalization : encourages newcomers to establish themselves in rural areas and helps them take all the necessary steps

Aboriginal health centre focused on family and community health

• culturally sensitive approach that welcomes, accepts and represents all Aboriginal People

Health and Community Services:

• family physicians by appointment
• walk-in clinic and laboratory services
• dental clinic for children, youth, and seniors
• anonymous human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counselling
• perinatal care, post natal support group, breastfeeding support and Baby Wellness Clinic
• client advocate
• cultural events programming - including drum circles, medicine walks, sweatlodge ceremonies, Elder consultations, and more
• community kitchens
• homeless outreach
• housing fiirst support
• seniors circle
• dental clinic

Mental Health Services:

• counselling, including walk-in counselling services
• addictions counselling
• individual, couples, and family therapy
• Honouring Sisters In Recovery (addictions group for Aboriginal women) and Men's Circle (addictions and support group for Aboriginal men)
• beading group

Education:

• diabetes
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
• healthy living and fitness
• HIV/AIDS education
• smoking cessation

Youth Programs:

• Wasa Nabin (homework support)
• Youth Diversion Outreach
• Youth Reintegration
• Community Drug Prevention Program
• After School Program
• Healthy Kids Community Challenge
• Homework Club - Gdo Wiidookoon

Relocation planning

• senior's transitions
• downsizing
• decluttering, sorting, packing
• moving services
• resettlement - unpacking and set up
• donation disposal / junk and debris removal
• staging for maximum sale value
• family consultations and coaching

Retirement home search assistance and transition support

• independent living
• assisted living
• memory care
• respite care
• a place to recover out of hospital
• short term and trial stays
• seniors suites
• dementia care

COVID-19 (August 18, 2022): Action Housing is adopting social contact reduction practices and partial reopening protocols during this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Face-to-face services will be offered by appointment only, starting July 4th 2022 and onwards.

Housing loss prevention services to low and moderate income individuals and families (including newcomers)

• tools to help with housing search on private market
• subsidized housing applications
• help with housing problems like rental arrears, safety concerns, maintenance and health issues, and conflicts with landlords or others
• information on landlord and tenant's rights and responsibilities
• information on emergency shelters
• free advertisement of vacant units through our Housing Locator Program
• legal counsel for housing and discrimination and clients representation at the Landlord and Tenant Board
• advice and moral support
• help completing standardized leases

Local service locations (Not currently available, please contact the main office for information):

• Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre
• Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre
• Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre
• Lowertown Community Resource Centre
• Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre
• Carlington Community Health Centre

Accessible space offering access to municipal, financial and social services including community agency supports, along with service navigation, crisis support and warm referrals.

Residents can access:

• Walk-in and scheduled appointments for services
• Safe and warm resting space and seating
• Washrooms
• Charging stations
• Public computers
• Wi-Fi
• Telephones

The following services will be offered on-site:

• Crisis support and referrals to community services
• Financial and social assistance
  • Ontario Works
  • Ontario Disability Support Program
  • Essential Health & Social Support
  • Child care fee subsidy application support
• Housing support and referrals
• Employment services (Employment Ontario)
• Somerset West Community Health Centre support staff

COVID-19 (22 Nov 2021) Food Cupboard is still open, food boxes available. Call reception at 613-722-3811 for assistance or to volunteer. The centre and its offices are closed to the public, until further notice, but the staff is equipped and are working remotely from home. Contact program coordinators directly if in need of assistance. Take away breakfast and lunch meals are available.

This information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Drop-in centre in partnerships with:

• front line workers
• outreach workers
• housing specialists
• visiting nurses
• elders
• trainers
• attendants
• bannock bus

Offers a secure and culturally appropriate place where people can use the following services:

• professional counselling
• employment readiness

Life skills

• financial management
• hygiene
• self-confidence
• time management
• nutrition
• teamwork
• resume writing
• emails
• computer skills

Cultural teachings

Referral services

• health centres
• food banks
• addiction centres

Crisis Intervention

• suicide prevention
• counselling services

Laundry and shower facilities available on a scheduled basis

Two hot meals per day are provided on a scheduled basis

Clothing donations

Housing search and advocacy

Wellbriety (Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings with traditional teachings) and support groups

COVID-19: The centre is open for showers. Call to book a time.

This information is regularly updated on their website.

Drop-in counselling centre for any adult (alone or with children) who finds it difficult to access services elsewhere due to illness, disability or homelessness.

Practical assistance: shower and laundry facilities

• telephones
• small clothing items (underwear, socks, and seasonal accessories)
• hygiene items
• condoms
• needle exchange

Social Recreation Program: creative expressions program including literacy and writer's group, music appreciation, and visual arts

• board games
• card games
• bingo
• arts and crafts
• special events
• karaoke
• chaplaincy

Counselling: short-term supportive counselling

• advocacy
• crisis intervention
• housing
• employment support and resume writing
• addiction
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) / Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) and Hepatitis A, B, C
• groups (addiction, life skills)

In-Reach visits by: Housing Help

• Royal Ottawa Hospital Outreach Teams (psychiatric and addiction)
• University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Application Support Program: Assists individuals with significant disabilities and barriers to navigate the complex application process

A one-stop, drop-in service to help people with their practical housing problems

Assistance regarding:

• housing emergencies
• evictions
• maintenance and repair problems
• illegal rents

Information:

• applications for subsidized housing
• a small list of rooms and apartments to rent
• telephones to help people looking for an apartment
• help to find programs and services in the community
• help to access Social Services

Advice:

• where to go in an emergency
• what to do in case of eviction
• how to lodge a complaint about unsafe living conditions
• what to do if the rent is illegal
• what rights tenants and landlords have
• what responsibilities tenants and landlords have

Caseworkers are available to clients by appointment only.

Volunteer support services for vulnerable older adults of the Ottawa-Gatineau arts community

• pursues affordable housing solutions
• referrals
• advocacy
• learning events on topics of concerns to older adults of the arts community

Supporting Cast: corps of trained volunteers who assist artists in need with the tasks of daily living

Long term goal is to create a centre for arts professional that will provide housing and other amenities such as a studio, and a rehearsal and performance space

This Centre provides

• Information, intercession and referral services
• Crisis intervention
• Food bank services and other food security strategies
• Support to complete an application for the Ontario Hydro Cost Assistance Program and the Energy Assistance Program
• Registration for the Holiday Programs and the Back to School Program with Caring and Sharing Exchange, and Toy Mountain of the Salvation Army
• Tax Clinic
• Community Development Program
• Youth Program (camp, sports, etc)
• School Youth Program
• After-School Program
• Information and advocacy services for affordable housing issues
• Volunteer Opportunities

Programs and Services :

• Social Support Program: practical assistance, referrals, crisis counselling, advocacy, needs assessment
• Community House: food bank, community activities
• Community Development: tax clinic, community gardens, support for community initiatives
• Youth Program :

1. Club 310 (after-school program) for youth aged 6-11 and Club Transitions (recreational program) for youth aged 12-14
2. Drop-in and various activities for local teens aged 12-17 (English)
3. Sports leagues and gym access (Basket-ball, Futsal, Soccer, etc) - various sports available for folks aged 6-30 years old

• Lowertown, Our Home (LOH) project: a partnership between residents and diverse community partners that actively engages community members in identifying common concerns, community solutions and preventative measures to build a healthy and safe neighbourhood
• Action Housing: provides assistance in crisis situations and supports to individuals and families seeking safe, adequate and affordable housing.

Housing and support options for persons living with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) / Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

• outreach and support
• apartment program (SILP)
• volunteer supports for clients
• health and wellness programs

Supportive emergency shelter space

• capacity for 18 youth
• clean socks, toiletries and other necessities
• safe place to rest for the night
• activities such as music, games, art, movies, books, etc
• listening ear and informal mentorship
• healthy meals and snacks
• drop-in program
• mental health and addiction support
• information on housing, education, addiction and mental health resources
• low-barrier structure without formal intake process

COVID-19 (October 7 2021): Services available by appointment only. Staff still available by phone. Many services now offered online and organisation offering volunteer outreach to isolated seniors to get food and medication to their homes. Call 613-235-4875 ext 181 to access emergency volunteer senior services (available in mandarin).

Settlement and community services agency

Orientation and Adaptation Services

• needs assessment and information and referral to community and social services
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• orientation within the city
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• community support for Chinese newcomers through volunteer befriending, conversation circles to practice English
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Citizenship Preparation

• courses, tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test
• offered on site

Language Training Services

• enhanced language training
• sector specific language training and career orientation in the fields of accounting and IT
• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement
• mentoring
• networking
• resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language/French as a Second Language

• English or French for Life and Work in Canada
• conversation and pronunciation classes

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• provides basic language skills in English or French
• courses offered part-time

Employment Counselling and Preparation

• job search preparation and training
• developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills
• job search workshops
• on site job search and preparation training courses

Employment Counselling

• resume help
• job readiness clinic
• employment counselling
• skills and career development
• help in establishing social and professional networks

Other Settlement Services

Library Settlement Partnership

• workshops
• one-to-one counselling
• settlement referrals
• English Conversation Club

Commissioner of Oaths

• commissioner of Oaths for verifying documents (only at 400 Cooper St)

Other Services
Counselling services workshops and support groups for:

• financial difficulties
• family conflicts
• mental health issues: depression, anxiety, stress, family relationships, caregiver stress, grief and loss, parenting, effective communication, workplace stress
• problems with the law
• racial discrimination
• family law
• legal problems
• sponsorship matters
• Convention Refugee support

COVID-19 (21 Apr 2020): Staff is delivering services remotely. Métis who are in need of help accessing supports are urged to contact the MNO toll free at 1-800-263-4889 or email covidhelp@metisnation.org.

Culturally relevant victim services

• advocacy
• access to cultural supports and community groups and circles to support healing
• referrals to relevant community agencies and programs, and to psychiatrists
• development of a safety plan
• information on local shelters or safe housing options
• assistance with housing applications
• information and assistance regarding court processes and orientation, including the creation and delivery of Victim Impact Statements
• short-term peer support
• workshops on topics such as navigating victim services, identifying warning signs of abuse, court processes, child witnessing, etc