Searching for Other Housing Related Services / Organizations

The FIT program provides centralized intake for families requesting emergency shelter

• FIT supports families with eviction prevention services, shelter diversion and rapid re-housing from shelter, with the goal of reducing or avoiding emergency shelter stays.
  
• Through a coordinated shelter intake process FIT staff assess a family's housing needs and develop a plan for best housing options.
• Family must be within seven days of losing their housing to access support.
  

Assists neighbours to resolve conflicts over noise complaints, property boundaries, personal differences, parking complaints, snow removal, landlord/tenant issues, etc.

Shelter Movers collaborates with local businesses and community services (e.g. shelters, police, schools, services) who refer clients that have decided to leave an abuser, and have a safer place to go. Shelter Movers makes all the arrangements to move and store survivors' belongings securely, on the clients' terms.

Provides and delivers furniture for people who are moving off of the streets/out of shelters and into their new homes, single parents moving out of abusive relationships, and anyone experiencing a sudden loss due to flood or house fire.

Various complex capable addiction treatment programs and services offered in the community utilizing a harm reduction philosophy. Community-based program and service options include:

Community Withdrawal Support Service: set of services offering an alternative to residential withdrawal management

Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinics (RAAM): Specialized medical clinic designed for people who are experiencing health issues related to their drug and/or alcohol use.

Drug Treatment Court: Specialized court process for non-violent offenders with addiction issues

Let's Grow Together: Half-day support group for women in the Guelph-Wellington community who are pregnant or parenting children (6 years and younger) and are dealing with substance use issues

Specialized Addiction Support Coordination: For specialized populations (geriatric, acquired brain injury, developmental disability, complex mental health) living with addiction issues; education and consultation to professionals working with these populations

Specialized Outreach Services: Integrated team of peers and professionals offering flexible outreach services to homeless or street-involved people with addiction, mental health, or concurrent issues

Supportive Addiction and Mental Health Housing: A range of supports for people with complex addiction and concurrent mental health needs who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or who are considered inadequately housed, without secure and / or maintained housing

Supported Recovery Room: 72-hour stabilization program for people recovering from a mental health or substance related crisis. Eligibility criteria information is available through SRR (519-362-9855)

Addiction Court Support: Outreach-based support for community residents whose substance use has resulted in criminal charges.

Peer 2 Peer Overdose Response Programs: Matches Overdose Response peers with people who have overdosed by meeting them at the hospital Emergency Department to offer harm reduction and recovery support to them, their family and friends.

Rural Wellington Addictions Service: delivered in partnership with the Upper Grand Family Health Team. Provides clients with in-person assessments, treatment/care planning and counselling services.

This service works together with the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinics (RAAM) and Community Withdrawal Support Service (CWSS) to provide addictions support to residents of Wellington County.

COVID-19 Update: Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Legal Clinic is serving the community primarily by phone and email. In person appointments will be scheduled if a caseworker determines it is necessary. The Clinic is closed to walk in visitors. We will respond to your message within 48 business hours. Please indicate if you have any urgent deadlines as messages are screened and triaged and urgent matters are dealt with in priority sequence. Please leave a phone number or an email address. Please consult our website at www.gwlegalclinic.ca for information about services we provide and suggestions as to where you can get legal help.

Assists tenants who have issues with their landlord, including:

• evictions
• rent increases
• maintenance and tenant rights issues
• rent-geared-to-income housing concerns and reviews

Assists recipients who have concerns about their Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program income support including:

• eligibility
• denial or suspension of benefits
• overpayments
• assistance applying for OW or ODSP

Assists recipients who have been denied Canada Pension Plan - Disability Benefits or Employment Insurance benefits, along with other income maintenance concerns.

Assists non-unionized workers who have questions about:

• rights in the workplace including unpaid wages, leaves of absence, reprisal, termination and severance pay
• wrongful dismissal
• workplace harassment and discrimination

Provides information on consumer protection, including collection agencies, door-to-door sales, etc.

Referrals given for areas of law that the Legal Clinic does not practice, including family law, criminal law, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board matters, human rights law, traffic offences, and civil litigation issues

Legal Health Check-Up:

• online check-up to help people living in poverty to identify legal problems and get help
• without adequate money to live on, a good home or job, or family, social and health supports, an individual's legal health may be at risk

Free service that helps connect people seeking rental housing to landlords with vacancies in the City of Guelph and County of Wellington. Services include:

• providing choices to search, find and keep housing - up to date rental listings
• help with completing applications for rent-geared-to-income, and housing allowance and rent bank assistance
• assistance with rental arrears may be available if facing eviction
• access point for housing assistance and income supports with rent and utility costs
• information on community agencies that may be able to help with housing
• information and advice with tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities
• landlord information sessions
• resource area with telephones and computers for public use

Focuses on providing adequate, affordable social housing

• exchange of information
• research and community consultations to identify housing needs, gaps, priorities
• creation of partnerships among housing and social service providers and funding bodies
• advocacy and education on housing issues

Services include:
* de-cluttering and reorganizing of rooms, closets or storage spaces
* packing and unpacking of belongings for those relocating to a new home
* home staging
* home office set up
* downsizing
* assisting older adults with transition to a retirement / nursing home

Coordinates and manages all stages of the move. Services include:

• free in-home consultation
• individualized support through the process of decluttering and downsizing
• disseminating waste and donation of items within the community
• floor plan to help decide what to keep and what will fit
• arrange for and supervise professional movers
• packing/moving/unpacking and settling in
• setting up new residence

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.

Provide people living on a low income free legal services for certain problems.

Services:

• provide legal advice
• assistance filling out forms
• represent at some tribunals and courts
• referrals to other agencies when Legal Aid cannot help

Give legal information sessions for members of the public and other community agencies and work to improve the laws that affect low income people in Ontario with community partners.

The Clinic is a non-profit corporation staffed by lawyers, community legal workers, and administrative staff, and directed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the community.

Program provides a safe place to stay for young people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. Offers a safe and structured environment for young people between 15-17 years of age. The program will work with youth, their families and community supports to develop an individualized plan for success

Services offered:

• support planning and case management
• support with getting back into school, social assistance applications, reconnecting with family and more
• leisure activities and life skills coaching in group and individual settings
• referrals to transitional and supportive housing programs, employment, addictions and mental health services as well as community supports and services

Responsible for the administration and management of housing units and provides rent supplements within the City of Brantford and the County of Brant

Administers homelessness programs:

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

Municipal Housing - a division of the City of Brantford Housing Department

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

Free legal services for low-income people funded by Legal Aid Ontario

• advice and representation available through this Nonprofit independent community legal clinic to clients who have problems such as housing, social assistance, government pensions and employment insurance

Services provided in the following areas of law:

• Residential tenancies (for tenants)
  
• Employment Insurance (EI)
  
• Employment issues
  
• Human Rights
  
• Consumer Protection
  
• Notary services

Legal Health Check-Up:

• an online check-up to help people who are living in poverty identify legal problems and get help
  
• if you do not have enough money to live on, a good home or job, or family, social and health supports, your legal health may be at risk

COVID19 Update: Food Bank open by appointment only Mon, Wed, Fri 9 am-3 pm; call ahead to provide information.

Food Bank
Food assistance program providing both perishable & non-perishable food (canned & boxed food, frozen food, meats, fruits & vegetables) * bread * Emergency Walk-in Food Bank * once every 6 weeks assistance * limited baby food, formula and diapers (when available) * food assistance can be accessed by appointment once every six weeks if required * Drop-in coffee, baked goods and bread.

Emergency Housing
Provides families with emergency housing which accomadates up to 10 people(s) maximum for a 6 week stay.
If The Inn Oxford's Homeless Shelter is filled to capacity, a single night arrangement at local accomadations (hotel/motel) can be arranged for individuals.

Volunteer Program
Volunteer service and school Community Service Hours programs * drop off resume or complete The Salvation Army Volunteer Registration Form available from Salvation Army office

Wellness Program - Eyeglasses, Prescriptions and Transportation Assistance
Program offers either a grant depending on financial situations to the maximum of $200 * assists with the following: dental, prescriptions, eyeglasses, medical equipment, transportation to out of town medical appointments, identification replacement

Housing Advocacy
Assistance with documentation and advice on landlord tenant issues

Low-income Electric Assistance Program (LEAP)
Access Centre to apply for LEAP - a one time hydro utility payment assistance program * grant is credited directly toward hydro portion of bill * program begins December 1st each year * available only once

Camps
Overall purpose is to serve the total personality and health needs of the camper; spiritual, educational, social, and recreational through a creative, healthful experience, in co-operative group living in outdoor settings * Holiday camps * Mum and Tots * Teens * Sleep Away camp for youth only * applications available through Woodstock branch, Tillsonburg branch, Norwich branch, Ingersoll branch

Emergency Assistance for those not on Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and have no access to other supports, have applied to EI but have not received payment. How to Apply online HERE or contact at 519-271-3773 Ext 200. Rates based on OW entitlements and are issued temporarily for 16-48 days through an expedited process

Ontario Works - Basic Financial Assistance may be available to assist with cost of basic needs like food, clothing and shelter as well as health benefits and employment assistance. Eligibility is assessed by reviewing family size, income, assets and housing cost. At this time applications for financial assistance and participation agreements can be completed over the phone and verified through third party checks. More information about OW along with rates of assistance can be found HERE How to Apply online HERE or contact at 1-888-999-1142 (including those who have previously been in receipt of OW and need to re-apply)

Financial Assistance - Monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income, monthly drug benefit card and other services including covering the costs related to starting a job or work placement

Employment Assistance - 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

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, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, literacy and basic skills, job skills training -- development of skills for specific jobs, on-the-job training, supports to self-employment and referrals to self-employment programs

Discretionary Benefits may include one-time health related items such as eye glasses, emergency dental treatment, prosthetics and health related supplies, Non-health related items such as essential appliances, utility arrears (in order to avoid disconnection, costs associated with funerals, burials and cremations. Programs may vary by City or Municipality

MyBenefits www.ontario.ca/mybenefits online access to report changes to or to get information about your Ontario Works file.

Temporary Care Program - there is financial assistance available for children under the care of a guardian or with no available parent

Emergency Homelessness - People and families in need of emergency housing during regular work hours should contact the Ontario Works office to speak with an Outreach worker. Outside of normal business hours, contact Shelterlink at 519-272-2294 or 1-888-829-7484

VON Canada has many services to offer. These include:

* Adult Day Program
* Bathing Program
* Bereavement Support Program
* Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health Awareness Clinic
* Friendly Visiting Volunteer Program
* Home at Last Program
* Home Help and Homemaking
* Hospice Visiting Program
* Life After Stroke Program
* Meals on Wheels
* Overnight Respite Program
* Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together
* Special Services at Home and Passport Programs
* Transportation Program
* Volunteer Program

Provides the community with education and awareness of the causes, needs and effects of homelessness in Perth County.

A support service for seniors * accompaniment to medical and non-medical appointments or community events * organizing and managing individual's household * help with a move * companionship and emotional support * relief for family * services help seniors and individuals remain independent and connected to their community * assistance for individuals who are medically fragile and whose families are not always available.

Consulations to help manage living space and furniture discussing ageing in home and other options. Discussions based on ergonomics, safety and mobility in home with individuals and any support staff. Creating functional spaces that support life transitions. Consultations can be in person or online.

Mobile service which supports youth, single females and families at risk of homelessness, or episodic homelessness, to find immediate, long-term, safe and stable housing alternatives

• Emergency Supportive Housing Program for families and individual women in short-term accommodations
• Housing First services and case management for adults, youth and families
• Advocacy, referrals and community support to improve housing retention

Regulates the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in residential properties.

• Responds to complaints about offences under the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Investigates complaints up to prosecution.
• Receives complaints and investigates maintenance issues where there are no municipal standards.

Complaints may be made to this Unit, or to the Landlord and Tenant Board, or to both (Complaints requiring a repayment order must be made to the Landlord and Tenant Board.)

The role of the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is to:

• resolve disputes between landlords and tenants through mediation or adjudication
• resolve eviction applications from co-ops
• provide information to landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)

The LTB's customer service officers process applications, schedule hearings, and provide information to the public about the Residential Tenancies Act. Customer service officers do not provide legal advice.