Searching for Housing Expense Assistance
Located near Milton
Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
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 and 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
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
Mon-Sun 24 hours 905-825-6000 or call 3-1-1
Visit Website
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
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.
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
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
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)
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
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
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
Office: 905-451-2123
Crisis: 905-278-9036
Visit Website
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
BounceBack Ontario, 1-866-345-0224, bouncebackontario.ca
Online and virtual mental health supports (see separate listing Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario)
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
All applications for housing subsidy, or utility or rent assistance processed through Housing Services Screening Tool; apply online, or call 905-453-1300 for urgent housing and eviction support, subsidized housing search support, or referral to appropriate service; call for support if unable to complete screening form online
One-time emergency assistance (for utility bills or rent) available to low-income families and individuals at risk of losing their housing; visit www.peelregion.ca/help/past-due-bills for information
Housing Subsidy, www.peelregion.ca/housing/apply-for-subsidy
Visit website to apply online for subsidized rental housing, or to update client information
- complete housing screening tool to be placed on centralized housing waitlist
- 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
Local municipal non-profit affordable housing provider, including low-rent non-subsidized units, and private non-profit housing such as non-profit housing co-operatives; overview of buildings available online
Market Rental Housing
Non-subsidized rental units may be available, visit website for information
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
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
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.
Financial assistance is available for:
- last month's rent
- rent arrears
- utility arrears
- appliances and mattresses
- bed bug prevention
- moving costs
- preventative action to help those at risk of homelessness
- individualized plans for those struggling to attain a long-term residence
- 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
- 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
- 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
- individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, mental health issues and / or addiction
- Mon-Sun, 24/7 support services
- 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
- 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
- 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
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 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
- 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
Crisis: 1-800-265-7294
Fax: 519-824-9990
TTY: 1-800-855-0511
Visit Website
- 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
- 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
- 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
Toll Free: 1-800-663-0750 ext 3712
Fax: 519-821-5306
TTY: 1-800-855-0511
Visit Website
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.
Crisis: 9-1-1
Maintenance Emergencies : 519-824-7822 (Option 8)
Toll Free: 1-800-663-0750
After hours non-emergency: 519-824-1960
Visit Website
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. To learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit Applicant households must apply to the County
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.
Government-funded 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:
- Wellington Affordable Homeownership Down Payment Loan Fund, and
- Ontario Renovates
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 Stepping Stone (formerly known as the Welcome In Drop In Centre) and Wyndham House (youth up to 25 years of age) to deliver support homelessness prevention, crisis response and housing stability supports and services.
Find out more about emergency shelter services in Wellington-Guelph
Rent Ready is NOT a mandatory benefit.
Offers a property tax credit to older adults who own residential property in Hamilton.
Offers choices of housing with support options for people who would otherwise be homeless, inappropriately housed in institutions and/or shelters, or inadequately supported in other settings.
Funding is connected to individual residents on a per day basis
- housing counselling
- information and referral
- matches tenants with landlords, eviction prevention, landlord outreach and recruitment, housing listings
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
- 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
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
- 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 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
- 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
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
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
- 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
- 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
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