Searching for Housing Expense Assistance

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 All CMHA Peel Dufferin offices closed to walk-in service

For crisis situations call 24.7 Crisis Support Peel Dufferin at 905-278-9036 or 1-888-811-2222 (Caledon & Dufferin)

For support, assessment and access to programs call Intake at 905-451-2123 or 1-877-451-2123, Monday to Friday 8 am-8 pm

Staff available through teleconferencing during regular business hours, all non-essential in-person meetings suspended, and internal events, training and workshops postponed; visit website for updates and information

----------

Comprehensive wraparound service teams for individuals with complex needs and severe mental health issues

• 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

Education and training to the larger community on stigma surrounding mental health and addictions issues

BounceBack Ontario, 1-866-345-0224, bouncebackontario.ca
Online and virtual mental health supports (see separate listing Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario)

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

Affordable housing information and supports

Housing Subsidy, www.peelregion.ca/housing/apply-for-subsidy
Visit website to apply online for subsidized rental housing, or to update client information

• rent supplement residents selected from centralized waiting list run by Peel Access to Housing (PATH)
• eligibility information available online, including unit size and gross household income
• visit website for appeals information and request form, fax completed eligibility decision appeals to Service Manager at 905-453-0168, or send to Service Manager Appeals, 10 Centre Dr, Suite B, PO Box 2800, STN B, Brampton L6T 0E7

Peel Living, www.peelregion.ca/peelliving
Local municipal non-profit housing provider includes private non-profit housing such as non-profit housing co-operatives, with online repair request availble to current tenants

Preventing Homelessness in Peel Program (PHIPP)
One-time emergency assistance (for utility bills or rent) to low-income families and individuals at risk of losing their housing, apply online at www.peelregion.ca/help/past-due-bills, or by phone 905-453-1300 for urgent housing and eviction support

Market Rental Housing
Non-subsidized rental units may be available, visit website for 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 appointment with closest Employment Ontario office

Housing Stability program -- provides financial and non-financial assistance to eligible 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 (ATP)-- for residents of Brampton or Mississauga who can't afford a monthly bus pass, visit website to apply

COVID19 -- LIFE sessions and After Stroke programs are being offered virtually


Community-based rehabilitation and advocacy; affordable supportive housing for people with physical disabilities

March of Dimes Canada's Supportive Housing Programs: provides scheduled and unscheduled service to people with disabilities in their own apartments:

• 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.

Attendant Care Services -- non-medical assistance with activities of daily living in the home; MODC Non-Profit Housing

Assistive Devices Program, 1-866-765-7237 -- financial assistance for adults to purchase or repair devices that increase their mobility and functional independence; may also assist with information or resources to assist in locating additional funding sources

Pop Can Tabs Collection Program -- proceeds support Assistive Devices Program

Home and Vehicle Modification Program, 1-877-369-4867 or 1-877-369-HVMP -- financial assistance (up to $15,000) for basic home and vehicle modifications for permanent Ontario residents with a substantial impairment expected to last one year or more

Brain Injury Services -- life skills, communication, community integration, emotional and behavioural support, vocational support, recreation

Conductive Education -- for people with neurological motor disorders; physical rehabilitation and education to train the brain and the body

DesignAbility, 1-800-263-3463, ext 7211

• 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

LIFE (Learning Independence for Future Empowerment) -- skill-building transition sessions to provide support to young adults with a disability

Post-Polio Canada, 1-800-480-5903, marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/postpolio -- in-person and virtual support services, resources and information for polio survivors

After Stroke, afterstroke.marchofdimes.ca -- person-to-person support, educational opportunities and community-based programs designed to provide connection to other people, hope and life after stroke

Integrated Employment Services at this location, see other listing

Outreach and senior services are also available at this location

Business and training services for other non-profit agencies

Financial assistance in the form of a rebate to qualified seniors or persons with disabilities who own and reside in their own homes; allows for property tax reduction against residential real property taxes; rebate is a grant and does not require repayment

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

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

• 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

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• 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 Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• 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

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• 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

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

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, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computerWelfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

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

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

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

• 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

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• 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 Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• 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

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• 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

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

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, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computerWelfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Housing Services

• housing counselling
• information and referral
• matches tenants with landlords, eviction prevention, landlord outreach and recruitment, housing listings
• voluntary trusteeship service
• street outreach to persons who are homeless, Streets to Homes follow up support for clients who have been placed in housing

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

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

* program allows older adult homeowners in Halton with low incomes to defer their full property taxes for as long as they remain eligible
* allows participants to focus their financial resources on their day-to-day needs, helping them to stay in their homes and improving their overall quality of life
* if you qualify, the deferral of your property taxes is interest-free

Visit COVID-19 Information and Updates for the latest on how to access programs and services during COVID-19.

Temporary income and employment assistance for low income individuals and families in immediate financial need. Requires a financial assessment to determine eligibility for services.

Employment Supports and Benefits

• caseworkers work closely with participants to develop individualized action plans that address unique needs
• participants guided through each stage and encouraged to stay on track
• employment benefits to assist clients in finding and starting a job

Additional employment supports include:

• basic educational upgrading
• English as a second language training
• job specific skills training
• job search assistance (resumé writing, interview preparation)
• access to volunteer and employment placements

Discretionary Benefits for recipients of Ontario Works assistance, or Ontario Disability Support Program assistance.

Other programs include:

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) - for young parents, ages 16-25 years
• Self-Employment - training and supports to operate a business; delivered in partnership with Business Centre Guelph-Wellington
• Life Skills Case Management - intensive support for those who are experiencing issues related to addictions or mental health
• services for empoyers

Provincial Rent Bank Program provides funding for rent arrears for people in danger of losing their accommodation. Ensures housing stability for those with short-term arrears who are facing eviction.

Fund can assist market rent tenants only. Provisions can be made for up to two months' rent and it will be paid directly to the landlord.

TENANTS CAN APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS.

Stepping Stone helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness step forward on a path toward securing permanent housing in Guelph-Wellington through housing focused programs and individualized support for adults ad families.Areas of focus and service include:

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

Prevention & Diversion:

• 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

Housing Focused Outreach:Housing Focused Outreach worker visits locations known to have individuals who are precariously housed, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing homelessness. Services include:

• 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

23 Gordon St. Overnight Emergency Shelter:

• 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

Grace Gardens Permanent Supportive Housing:

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

Housing Focused 24/7 Supportive Shelter:

• 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

Housing Stability Program:

• 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

COVID-19 Update: Visit COVID-19 Information and Updates for the latest on how to access programs and services during COVID-19.

Rent-geared-to-Income (RGI) Subsidy - Social Housing
The County of Wellington supports the delivery of subsidized housing in units where rent is set at no more than 30 per cent of a household's income. Applicant households must apply to the County and meet eligibility criteria.

Rent Supplement Subsidy
Rent Supplement Program allows individuals and families to receive a geared-to-income rent supplement for a unit in the private market. Applicant households must apply to the County and meet eligibility criteria.

Find out more about the rent supplements.

Affordable Housing
Affordable housing, sets rent at less than market levels, can be found in the City of Guelph and Wellington County. All prospective households must apply to the provider directly and meet eligible criteria.

Homeownership
The County of Wellington administers two homeownership program:

1. Wellington Affordable Homeownership Down Payment Loan Fund, and
2. Ontario Renovates

The Affordable Homeownership Program and Ontario Renovates are limited funding program, please review program eligibility.

Funding to Prevent Eviction
The County of Wellington administers funding for the Housing Stability Program, the Rent Bank, Emergency Energy Fund (EEF), and Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).

Find out more about Housing Stability Funding eligibility.

Emergency Shelter
The County of Wellington funds the Welcome In Drop In Centre and Wyndham House to support homelessness prevention, crisis response and housing stability.
Find out more about emergency shelter services in Guelph-Wellington.

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

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

• 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

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• 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 Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• 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

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• 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

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

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, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

COVID19 -- services continue by phone, email, and video, online workshops and webinars available * offices are closed except for refugee shelters * see website page linked here for phone numbers to contact staff at specific services
COVID-19: SERVICE NOTICE

Housing Help services

• support finding and maintaining housing
• eviction prevention and housing stabilization services
• counselling, case management, advocacy support and referral for post housing stabilization
• information, referral, assistance with applications for subsidized, supportive housing, or emergency shelters
• crisis intervention
• drop-in program, free telephone and computers use during drop-in hours
• Streets to Homes Follow-up Program -- services and specialized help for formerly homeless individuals with complex needs, ID clinic
• seasonal income tax clinic

Information, orientation and education on the topics such as money management, tenants' rights and responsibilities and other community services that assist families facing crisis

Toronto 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

• applicants must be low income with adequate income to sustain their housing
• must have legal status in Canada, and pay market rent (not subsidized)
• additional eligibility criteria apply, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients not eligible

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

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN) and Housing Help Association of Ontario (HHAO)

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

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

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

• 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

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• 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 Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• 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

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• 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

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

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, service not available to TTY users

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Provides financial assistance and employment assistance to individuals in financial need. Services to clients include:

• employment support- referrals to community services including Housing and Children Services


• discretionary benefits maybe available to people receiving OW or ODSP on a case by case basis

The County of Dufferin Ontario Renovates program is designed to provide moderate income households, with an interest free loan to assist with necessary home repairs.

Funding is subject to availability

Dufferin County Homeownership Program is designed to provide moderate income households, with an interest free down payment assistance loan/second mortgage to help purchase a home.

There are no monthly mortgage payments for the second mortgage. Repayment of the second mortgage is required when the property is sold.

Residents of Dufferin County who are experiencing a housing crisis may be eligible for financial assistance to help find or keep housing.

Eligible expenses may include last month's rent deposits or rental arrears.

Utility assistance may include help with deposits, arrears, and disconnections.

For more information:

• See Application Form
• Call 519-941-6991 ext 2110
• Email hpp@dufferincounty.ca or
• Visit Programs to Assist with Rent and Utilities