Searching for Rent And Housing Assistance Programs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Financial and employment assistance to individuals and families residing in the City of Brantford and in Brant County who are in need

Assistance includes income support for basic needs and shelter for eligible persons as well as access to benefits such as:

• drug coverage for most of the cost of prescription drugs for eligible family members
• special diet requirements due to a medical condition
• pregnancy nutritional/breastfeeding allowance for coverage of dietary needs during pregnancy and for 12 months after delivery if breastfeeding
• health-related Items such as diabetic supplies, surgical supplies and, dressings, approved medical transportation of $15 or more per month, and a guide dog benefit
• employment-related benefits when starting a new job or employment assistance activity

Ontario Works Employment supports help you become job-ready. Service Coordinators can help you access employment supports and provide more information

If you receive Ontario Works assistance and are actively involved in an employment assistance activity or have started a job, you may also be eligible to receive assistance with related expenses

Eligible low-income Brantford and Brant County residents, and residents receiving Social Assistance benefits, can get help with the cost of funerals, cremations, and burials. Eligibility is determined on the deceased person's income and assets, not the family member who is making the application

Helps prevent individuals and families in Brantford and Brant County from becoming homeless

The fund may be able to help with:

• utility arrears
• utility deposits
• housing-related arrears
• last month's rent

Resource centre focused on housing

Services include:

• diversion and prevention - stabilizes those at imminent risk of homelessness to maintain their housing or find alternative accommodation through access to case management and financial supports
  
• financial management services - acts as homelessness prevention for voluntary and mandatory clients needing support with their finances to maintain housing stability. The service ensures the payment of rent and utilities and access to case management supports
  
• ID clinic - provides financial supports to obtain a birth certificate, health card and other forms of ID. Staff will help complete the applications and may help with the cost of renewal or application fees
  
• rapid rehousing - Immediate access to short-term case management and financial support to avoid or exit emergency accommodations into permanent housing with necessary wrap around supports
  
• Housing Stability Fund - program can help obtain and maintain stable housing by providing utility arrears and deposits, housing related arrears or last month's rent
  
• outreach - community-based support
  
• access to emergency shelter

The Housing Access Centre is a part of the City of Stratford Housing Division and is responsible for managing the Coordinated Access Centralized Wait List for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance. Units are available in the communities of Atwood, Listowel, Milverton, Mitchell, St. Marys, and Stratford.
Applicants may select from building selections in public housing, social housing (non-profit and co-ops), as well as rent subsidized units in privately owned buildings under the Rent Supplement program.

Centrally located out of the Social Services office, services include:
• Answers to questions about community housing in Stratford, Perth County and St. Marys
• Processing new applications for subsidized (rent-geared-to-income) housing
• Determine eligibility for RGI assistance according to the Housing Services Act, 2011
• Update applications for subsidized housing with required information changes
• Manage and maintain a Centralized Waiting List for Social Housing Providers within Perth Stratford

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

Financial assistance to people experiencing homelessness to obtain and retain housing and to people at risk of homelessness to remain housed. . Programs available include: rental arrears, utility arrears, assistance with last month's rent, assistance with moving costs (does not include storage), furniture for new addresses, home repairs that would otherwise not be completed and may place individual's health and welfare at risk. Programs also include emergency shelter stays at local motels.

Low-income Energy Support Program (LEAP) - click here. If you're behind on your electricity or natural gas bill or face having your service disconnected, you may qualify for emergency financial help through LEAP. Please note for Festival Hydro customers this does not cover water or sewage fees and support is available from the City of Stratford Social Services, 519-271-3773 Ext 200.

CMHA manages affordable rental units throughout Huron and Perth Counties, includes owned buildings and sublet units from local landlords. Tenants with limited income and evidence of a mental illness may qualify for a rental subsidy based on income. Support services are provided to assist tenants to maintain their residences. Long and short term accommodation is provided Transitional units provide temporary furnished accommodation to facilitate discharges from hospital and assess a person's skills to maintain permanent housing. Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO) - supportive housing program for people with serious mental illness

Advocates and provides programs and services for people with mental disorders in order to enhance, maintain and promote the mental health of all individuals and communities in Huron and Perth Counties Case Management: Client directed Quality of life through community integration Ongoing support May include community connections, housing, financial planning, income budgeting, family relationships, and education about mental illness Concurrent Disorders Case Management - Case Managers provide assessment and links to treatment and rehabilitation services for people with mental illness addicted to drugs and alcohol Family Support Group: Helps families understand mental illness Offers time limited one-to-one support for family hoping to connect a loved one to mental health services Family support groups available Court Support Case Management: provides assistance to people with mental illness who come in contact with the law. Peer Support Program: people with mental illness are supported to develop peer friendships through group meetings which offer social and recreational activities. Supported Housing Program: affordable rental unites in Huron and Perth Counties, rental subsidy available based on income and evidence of a mental illness. Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO): supportive housing program for people with serious mental illness Education: offers workshops, resource centres at both office location and educational presentations to help overcome the stigma of mental illness.

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

Housing department

Programs include:

• Housing Loan Program - assists Six Nations members in obtaining housing loans for new or renovation/repair construction purposes
  
• Approved Lender Loan (Bank) Program - provides Six Nations members with the option of obtaining for an on reserve home from a financial institution
  
• Accessibility Program - provides loans for seniors and/or physically disabled Six Nations members
  
• Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) - federally-funded program that addresses mandatory repairs for structurally damaged homes and for health and safety reasons
  
• Housing Inspections - inspections for new house construction, repairs, additions or to inspect prior to purchase
  
• Rental Properties - 1 to 3 bedroom units for rent
  
• Commercial Properties - a portfolio of commercial buildings developed to provide suitable infrastructure for Council projects, community services, and private enterprise
  
• Sanitation Incentive Program - assists Six Nations members in obtaining safe and environmentally friendly septic systems, cisterns and wells

Provides financial assistance to Six Nations band members

• financial assistance is made up of two parts - basic needs and shelter

Additional programs:

• Family Support Program - mandatory for all sole support parents and blended families with children from previous relationships
  
• Innovations - 4-week education, skills, and personal development program

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.