Searching for Housing Expense Assistance

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.

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.

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

Outreach and support services include:

• crisis support
• youth outreach program
• assistance for families and individuals to maintain safe, affordable housing
• eviction prevention
• income tax completion
• life skills and budgeting assistance
• emergency Hydro Arrears (not all utilities) available for individuals who reside within Centre Wellington and Wellington North including CW Hydro, Wellington North Power, Westario and Hydro One.
• licensed child care centre for ages 18 months-4 yrs of age. Before and After school programs offered as well at various locations in Centre Wellington.
• EarlyON Child and Family Centre programs in Centre Wellington, Wellington North, Minto, Mapleton and East Wellington.
• information and referrals
• volunteer transportation program - central intake and referral for Wellington Transportation Services
• Assistance with food insecurity
• Assistance for families and individuals who are in need of phones or internet support.
• Intake agency for the OESP (Ontario Electricity Support Program) We will assist with applications for this program.

Funds may be available to:

• 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

Assistance is given as either a grant or a loan, depending on the situation. Applicants do not have to receive social assistance to be eligible.

Provides families, couples and individuals with assistance in finding and maintaining rental housing. Housing Services provides financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans or grants to eligible individuals who are experiencing financial difficulties that are leading to eviction or difficulty in securing housing.

Funds may be available to:

• 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

Assistance is given as either a grant or a loan, depending on the situation. Applicants do not have to receive social assistance to be eligible.

Provides families, couples and individuals with assistance in finding and maintaining rental housing. Housing Services provides financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans or grants to eligible individuals who are experiencing financial difficulties that are leading to eviction or difficulty in securing housing.

The Affordable Home Ownership program provides individuals and families with a loan for the 5% down payment on a home.

The Waterloo Region Community Services Department provides resources on the topics of:

• Income Support (e.g. Ontario Works)
  
• Employment Services/Employment Resource Centres
  
• Children's Services
  
• Seniors Services
  
• Housing Services
  

Funds may be available to:

• 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

Assistance is given as either a grant or a loan, depending on the situation. Applicants do not have to receive social assistance to be eligible.

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

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

Monthly benefit payment to help eligible households pay their rent. Benefit payments are:

• portable, so benefit may be received after moving to another address
• based on household income and local market rent values

* 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

Tax Rebate
Low Income Seniors Property Tax Rebate
* City of Burlington property tax rebate of $ 550 for eligible seniors (see Eligibility below)
* application deadline December 31 each year
* contact tax section or see website for more information and application form

Tax Deferrals
Note: using a tax deferral will make homeowner ineligible for tax rebate, and may have impact on other tax credits

Low-Income Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Increase Deferral
* a Region of Halton program, administered by the four local municipalities, for low income seniors and low income persons with disabilities (see Eligibility below)
* allows eligible homeowners to defer property tax increases to keep payments at a constant level as long as the property is their principal residence
* accumulated total of all deferred amounts is paid when property is sold or no longer the applicant's principal residence
* application must be made annually, on or before 45 days after the mailing of the final property tax bill, which normally occurs in early June
* contact tax section or see website for more information and application form

Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program
* defers the full amount of property taxes for older adults under a certain income
* deferral is interest-free
* for more details, 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

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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)

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.

A financial stability program that helps low-income individuals maintain affordable housing, by providing a small short-term interest-free loan for last month's rent. Loans are paid directly to the vendor or provider. The maximum loan is $300 and must be repaid in 12 months.

Program helps ODSP and OW recipients and people with a low income maintain their housing by providing financial assistance.

Financial assistance is available for:

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

Contact for information about eligibility for each type of financial assistance.

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