Searching for Utility Assistance Programs

COVID-9 update: Office is closed to the public and is operating at a limited capacity. Please call or visit our website for further information.

Administers funds from the Emergency Energy Program (EEP) and Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP-E). Households must fall under established low-income thresholds and asset levels.

EEP: assistance with heat or hydro arrears and reconnection costs, or minimum fuel fill (oil or propane). Payments made directly to energy providers.

• Households may apply for emergency assistance from this fund once (subject to change).
• Assists applicants in completing the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) application.

LEAP-E: assistance with hydro arrears and reconnection costs for Guelph Hydro customers. Payments made directly to Guelph Hydro (now Alectra Utilities)

• Households may apply for emergency assistance from this fund once per year.

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

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: Services continue to operate by appointment only. Please call 519-836-9824 or e-mail familyservices@guelphsa.ca.

Services include:

• bi-monthly food hampers ; bread, baked goods and produce
• clothing, personal care items ; small household items
• baby items
• utility support ; transportation
• prescriptions ; glasses
• emergency accommodations ; mattresses
• referrals
• Christmas Hampers
• backpacks/School Supplies ; summer camp

Community support programs:

• information and referral regarding health and social service agencies, community groups and organizations, government resources
• assistance and advocacy for individuals and families experiencing difficulties, especially those who have no other place to go or those who are unable to access services without assistance
• income tax clinics for low income clients
• needs coordination matches those in need of household items with those who can provide them
• agency accessibility provides office space and an answering service to agencies like counselling agencies - family, teen, addiction, legal, financial
• transitional housing is available for families who are homeless * families can stay for a period of two months
• a community support coordinator provides family support
• Holiday Hampers Program * provides hampers of children's clothing and toys for families who are experiencing financial difficulties in Halton Hills

Winter Warmth Program:

• one time financial assistance for eligible low income people who are at risk of going into arrears on their gas bill

Backpack Program:

• provides backpacks with school supplies for lower income families in Halton Hills

Services for older adults:

• Meals on Wheels, Meals on Ice, Wheels to Meals, congregate dining
• home maintenance and repair * may include yard maintenance, snow shoveling, window washing, seasonal house cleaning, odd jobs and minor repairs
• telephone assurance * call older adults regularly to provide a safety check and social contact
• friendly visiting * volunteer who will visit once a week to provide companionship and conversation
• letter carriers alert * provides reassurance and a check on the well-being of those living alone who receive mail delivery to their door * a joint effort between Acton postal workers and Links2Care
• client intervention and assistance * provides support for older adults and adults with disabilities who may be at risk due to a critical change in their life situation such as an upcoming eviction, facing homelessness, loss of financial income, or experiencing difficulties within their home setting such as abuse and isolation * contact Seniors Coordinator, (mobile) 905-699-2010 or (office) 905-844-0252
• Connection in Action Halton Initiative * focusing on helping adults aged 55 and older who are at risk of or currently experiencing social isolation
• supportive housing program * provides essential supports for daily living services to eligible older adults living at Lakeview Villa, 17 Elizabeth Dr, Acton * services may include bathing, dressing, medication reminders, light housekeeping and laundry * contact Marianne, Seniors Coordinator, Supportive Housing at 519-853-9916

Youth programs:
Off the Wall - Acton
Open Door - Georgetown

Children's programs:
Ontario Early Years- Acton Satellite
Ontario Early Years - Georgetown Satellite


Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
Volunteers prepare income tax and benefit returns for eligible Halton Hills residents who have a modest income and a simple tax situation * call for more information

Care In The Community - Community Volunteer Income Tax Program - Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) trained volunteers to complete income tax and benefit returns for eligible individuals for free * total family income for 1 person should be less than $35,000 and $45,000 for 2 persons * tax situation must be simple and is not for a deceased person

Care In The Community - Shop and Drop Support Program - Assists isolated Halton Hills residents who are unable to shop independently and who have no family/friend supports available, with pick-up and delivery of groceries and pharmacy items * clients should order and pay in advance directly to the store, but agency also accepts cash/gift card with a shopping list and return change as required

Services and Programs:

• Supportive Housing

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.

Helps low income families avoid consequences of not being able to pay utilities

Gas bills
LEAP Emergency Financial Assistance

• 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
• you must call 1-855-487-5327 Simcoe Muskoka United Way - LEAP Program 8:30 am-4 pm to do intake

Hydro bills
LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program)

• provides year-round emergency financial assistance to low-income customers who have difficulty making electricity bill payments
• for Halton Hills the program is administered by Links2Care (Acton: 519-853-3310, Georgetown: 905-873-6502)

Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP):

• provides $30-$75 discount on energy bills for residents whose income falls below the Low Income Measure cutoff
• application information here

Helps households with low-incomes avoid the consequences of not being able to pay their utility bills, such as loss of heat or homelessness.

Helps households with low-incomes avoid the consequences of not being able to pay their hydro bills, such as loss of heat or homelessness.

Helps low income families avoid consequences of not being able to pay utilities

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

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

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

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

Online access to and information about applications, licenses and permits

• accessible parking permit
• birth and death registration
• building permit
• business license and permit
• dog license
• filming in Brant
• financial assistance
• lottery license
• marriage license
• open air burning and permit
• oversize overweight loads permit
• planning application
• public works permit
• site alteration permit
• special events permit
• vehicle for hire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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