Searching for Help To Find Housing

Assists individuals and families who are in need of finding affordable housing. Through this program, workers will work closely with clients to aid their search and supply up to date housing listings in Niagara Falls. Also assists with Niagara Regional Housing applications and referrals to shelters.

Individualized advocacy and support to maintain housing for those who have experienced chronic homelessness or at imminent risk of housing loss.

• Assistance with landlord disputes and negotiations
• Help accessing available community supports
• Strong relations with landlords to provide affordable housing
• Help accessing available community supports through partnerships (mental health and addictions)
• One on on individualized support and case management (life stabilization and independence)

Provides a free and confidential housing referral and consultation service.

Helps with:

• assistance and information to help solve housing problems
• people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless to find and maintain permanent accommodation within the local community
• landlords to find tenants and helps to resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants
• basic information on the Residential Tenancies Act

Also offers:

• money management - trusteeship service (including youth 16-24)
• regional identification clinic

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro). Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to lower electricity bills for low-income households.

COVID-19: Closed.

Provide mobile service and in home consultation for seniors and their families seeking retirement home or assisted living placement within the Niagara Region.

COVID-19: No in-person services offered until further notice. Youth are able to connect with a Youth Navigator via phone, text, email or social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter), Mon-Thu 12 noon-8 pm. The following services are currently being offered: clinical services (Mental Health Counsellor, Substance Use Counsellor and Nurse Practitioner); non-clinical services (Mental Health Caseworker, Employment and Education Support (including assistance applying for CERB, EI, etc.); Wellness Activities. Connect with a Youth Navigator to register.

A one-stop-shop for youth seeking services related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, housing and other community and social services.

Services include:

Mental Health Counselling: Speak with a certified mental health counsellor about any mental health concerns.

Substance Use Counselling: A certified counsellor can help youth with reducing or eliminating substance use, setting, and achieving goals, improving relationships and learning life skills. Can also help with mental health concerns.

Peer Counselling and Support: Speak with a peer about any issues one might be experiencing related to mental health, substance use, employment, housing, or other areas of one's life.

Nurse Practitioner: Receive free health care services, referrals and/or discuss current health issues including sexual health, birth control, vaccinations, mental health etc.

Employment Help: Assistance from an employment counsellor with searching for jobs, preparing for work and/or building a resumé.

Mental Health Caseworker: Receive help with finding housing, preparing for employment/volunteering/education opportunities, filling out forms, managing money, setting, and achieving goals, developing a safety plan, accessing services in the community, etc.

Youth Navigator: Offers peer support and help with connecting to appropriate services in the hub or the community.

Wellness Activities: Presentations and/or discussion groups on various health and wellness topics. Examples of topics include harm reduction, safer sex and STI prevention, mindfulness, goal setting, etc. Indigenous cultural activities open to all youth, such as drumming, beading, ribbon skirt making, etc. Wellness drop-in activities such as fitness classes, arts and craft workshops, ping pong club, movie nights, video game nights etc.

Programs include:

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro). Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to lower electricity bills for low-income households.

Clothing: St Vincent de Paul clothing vouchers

Koats for Kids: provides donated winter apparel to children and adults. Call the centre for details - 905-788-0744 ext 221

Trusteeship: assists clients in effective budgeting * ensuring rent and bills are paid directly to the landlord and service providers to prevent evictions/disconnections

Dental: Brushed Aside partner agency - Limited assistance available for the treatment of pain/infection or dentures provided through a partnership with the United Way and other local agencies.

Our Sight Program: assists clients with obtaining prescription eyeglasses

Homelessness Prevention Coordinator: provide housing information, assistance with goal setting, advocacy and emotional support

Kacey Lynn Fund: financial assistance to eligible families with children encountering health and dental expenses beyond their income and/or health benefits

COVID-19: No in-person services offered until further notice. Youth are able to connect with a Youth Navigator via phone, text, email or social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter), Mon-Thu 12 noon-8 pm. The following services are currently being offered: clinical services (Mental Health Counsellor, Substance Use Counsellor and Nurse Practitioner); non-clinical services (Mental Health Caseworker, Employment and Education Support (including assistance applying for CERB, EI, etc.); Wellness Activities. Connect with a Youth Navigator to register.

A one-stop-shop for youth seeking services related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, housing and other community and social services.

Services include:

Mental Health Counselling: Speak with a certified mental health counsellor about any mental health concerns.

Substance Use Counselling: A certified counsellor can help youth with reducing or eliminating substance use, setting, and achieving goals, improving relationships and learning life skills. Can also help with mental health concerns.

Peer Counselling and Support: Speak with a peer about any issues one might be experiencing related to mental health, substance use, employment, housing, or other areas of one's life.

Nurse Practitioner: Receive free health care services, referrals and/or discuss current health issues including sexual health, birth control, vaccinations, mental health etc.

Employment Help: Assistance from an employment counsellor with searching for jobs, preparing for work and/or building a resumé.

Mental Health Caseworker: Receive help with finding housing, preparing for employment/volunteering/education opportunities, filling out forms, managing money, setting, and achieving goals, developing a safety plan, accessing services in the community, etc.

Youth Navigator: Offers peer support and help with connecting to appropriate services in the hub or the community.

Wellness Activities: Presentations and/or discussion groups on various health and wellness topics. Examples of topics include harm reduction, safer sex and STI prevention, mindfulness, goal setting, etc. Indigenous cultural activities open to all youth, such as drumming, beading, ribbon skirt making, etc. Wellness drop-in activities such as fitness classes, arts and craft workshops, ping pong club, movie nights, video game nights etc.

Provides a wide range of services on an individual case basis including:

• advocacy
• assistance with domestic abuse situations
• addictions
• emergency food
• crisis situations
• transportation
• may offer financial assistance for emergency medical need
• offer referrals for education and employment
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program

The Housing Help services includes:

• information for landlords and tenants
• assisting clients and landlords with housing clients
• supports in maintaining housing and transitional housing moving forward
• program and information on rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants

Other services include:

• Koats for Kids
• Give a Gift, Adopt-A-Family at Christmas
• Back Packs for Back to School

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro).

Offers confidential one-on-one service to clients and refer when required. All services are free of charge.

Provides and advocates for a full range of community-based services for people with developmental disabilities including accommodation, employment, respite, community access, planning and family supports

Program providing support for youth who have been involved with Family and Children Services. Helps youth to transition to a more independent lifestyle by developing and implementing a personal plan, and providing help navigating adult service systems and connecting with community supports and resources.
Offers the following types of support:

• emotional
• housing
• educational
• employment
• health
• legal

Providing support to 16 and 17-year-old youth seeking housing and/or housing maintenance; assistance to search for, view, apply, and retain housing. Support includes developing personal (life skills) and household management skills such as (but not limited to) budgeting, tenant skills, and connecting with additional community supports.

Additional Program Supports include:

• Financial Literacy
• Identification replacement, including access to free Digital Wallet
• Education opportunities
• Employment Readiness
• Advocacy
• Legal Services
• Immigration
• Health & Mental Health services
• Housing 101 Workshop available upon request

A service that helps individuals access and maintain safe and affordable housing

Services include:

Telephone support service

• get answers to general questions about housing by calling 3-1-1

One-to-one support

• for individuals who are having difficulty finding or maintaining their housing
• connects individuals with community services and resources
• advocates on behalf of renters with landlords and social service agencies
• an appointment must be booked by calling 3-1-1
• appointments are available on specific days in Burlington, Georgetown, Milton and Oakville

Halton Rent Connect

• a free service for renters and landlords
• links to housing supports in Halton

Landlord Engagement Specialist

• can help landlords resolve tenant issues
• provides direction to community resources that can help with the Residential Tenancies Act and other responsibilities as a landlord

Provides access to health care support at home, at school, or in the community

• care coordinators work with people in the community or leaving hospital to determine what help is needed and arrange for care
• care is provided in community settings such as the home, school, residential facility or Home and Community Care Services community clinic
• referral to other community services when appropriate

Services available to eligible patients may include:

• nursing
• personal support
• physiotherapy
• occupational therapy
• speech-language therapy
• social work
• nutritional counseling
• end-of-life care
• medical supplies and equipment
• access to long-term care homes
• access to supported living (adult day programs, assisted living, supportive housing, retirement homes, and short stay care)
• school health support services
• specialized services for people living with specific health conditions
• referral to other community supports
• Burlington Nursing Care Centre

Information and Referral offered through My Health GPS, 1-800-810-0000:

• system navigation
• access to community resources
• assistance with referrals

Provides case management support to youth ages 16-24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in:
* finding Ontario Works * food * alternative education * work * housing * counselling * financial management * life skills

Host Homes initiative:
* matches youth with host homeowners who provide safe temporary housing

Bridge House program:
* provides transitional housing for youth for a period of up to 2 years in residential neighbourhoods in Burlington and Milton

Oakville Residence
* provides transitional housing for a period of up to 2 years in a bachelor style apartment

Service Navigator (north-end Halton only)
* connect youth ages 14-24 with community supports and case management

Services provided:

Senior Relocation Management

• providing planning from start to finish covering packing, unpacking, set-up in the new residence, arranging temporary storage as well as preparing the home for sale
  
• working with clients to sell online, consign, donate and dispose of unwanted household items

Homecare Search Services

• working with clients to identify homecare services needed to live independently
  
• identify suitable providers and develop a plan to put the services in place

Senior Housing Advice and Search

• working with clients to understand their needs, and conduct research of senior living communities (i.e., retirement homes, seniors apartments or assisted living)
  
• assist them when making their housing decision including arranging and attending property walk-throughs

Program assists seniors who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find safe, sustainable housing and assists to identify services that result in faster housing placement and more stabilized housing. Ongoing case management is offered to individuals for up to 12 months after they have been housed.

Provides transitional support services in Housing, Life Coaching, Life Skills Training and Mentoring, to vulnerable and racialized youth aging out, or recently aged out of the child protection and foster care system

The Oasis House is a spacious house, in an accessible location in the North-West end of Oakville, serving mostly black male youth (18-21yrs) from the Halton/Peel Region
* provide safe, stable accommodation and wrap-around support services to youth, so they can overcome barriers, thrive and transition successfully into independent adult living
* program model adheres to the Foyer Housing Model
* support youth to navigate and access community resources for education, employment, health and appropriate financial support
* Life Skills training to strengthen capacity to live independently
* designed to duplicate a healthy, supportive family environment
* engages a strength-based approach in building individual capacity for success

Operates as an access point for subsidized housing in Hamilton. Subsidized housing is when rent is geared to the income of the recipient instead of market rates. Staff assist applicants with the application process and maintains the central waiting list for subsidized housing available from social housing providers.
Eligibility is calculated based on 30% of a household's gross monthly income. If applicant is receiving assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, a social assistance rent scale is applied. Additional charges may apply depending on the building (e.g. utilities, parking).
The organization is does not operate as a landlord and does not directly offer housing. Does not offer emergency shelters or emergency housing.

Provides and advocates for a full range of community-based services for people with developmental disabilities including accommodation, employment, respite, community access, planning and family supports

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:

• Persons with disabilities

Provides services to assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are on a low income in finding safe and affordable housing.

Services include:

• listing of available rental accommodations
• free phone access
• subsidized housing applications
• housing search assistance
• information services
• community referrals

Provides housing support services to individuals with serious mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system. A rent supplement is available for participants. Goals of the program are to:

• Secure and maintain permanent and affordable housing
• Provide flexible, portable, and individualized supports
• Assist in the prevention of future involvement with the criminal justice system
• Provide connections and support with other community resources as required

Operates in partnership with the Mental Health Court Support Services Program through the Canadian Mental Health Association, Hamilton Branch.

A program for individuals who want to learn more about developing tools to have a positive relationship with their landlord.

The course can be delivered as either one 3-hour session, or six 1-hour sessions.

After completion of the course participants will receive a certificate of completion recognized by landlords that they can use as a reference for new rentals.

The workshops are focused on the development of skills to assist with finding a place to live, securing the unit, rights and responsibilities, maintenance, tenancy, and ending a lease.

Free drop-in centre for youth in Hamilton. Offers a variety of themed activities and social events as well as:

• access to showers
• computers and wifi
• housing search assistance
• community referrals

Multi-agency resource centre for at-risk youth residing within the community. Case coordinator assists the youth in navigating community and internal services based on their identified needs.
Services include:
* 24 Hour a day intake and admissions
* Meets basic needs by providing all meals and snacks, clothing, laundry and hygiene products, etc.
* Advocacy and Case Co-ordination
* Recreational / Therapeutic programming
* On-Site Access to Mental Health Services and Consulting Psychiatry
* On-Site Access to a General Practitioner and/or Nurse Practitioner
* On-Site Addiction / Substance Use Supports (Alternatives for Youth)
* On-Site sexual health clinic
* On-Site Withdrawal Management Assessment and Monitoring (St. Joseph's Hospital)
* Aftercare services through our Community Resource Centre

The Notre Dame Community Resource Centre, is a multi-agency resource centre for at-risk youth residing within the community who are between 16 and 21 years of age. Youth have access to a number of outreach support services and programs to assist them in remaining housed; diverting them from homelessness and street involvement.

A case coordinator assists the youth in navigating community and internal services based on their identified needs.

Access to health care support at home, at school or in the community; care coordination for people in the community or leaving hospital; also long term home, short stay, convalescent and crisis placements

Care provided in community settings such as home, school, residential facility or nursing community clinic; also information on community services and referrals when appropriate

Services available to eligible patients may include:

• nursing
• nurse practitioner
• personal support
• physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• speech and language therapy
• social work
• nutrition and food counselling (dietitians)
• palliative care
• medical supplies and equipment
• access to long-term care homes
• access to supported living (adult day programs, supportive housing, retirement homes and assisted living)
• health support in the school
• specialized services for people living with specific health conditions including acquired brain injury service access and coordination
• information and referral to other community supports

Children's Health Services
Special health services for children in home and school environment including public, private or home-based schools, supports children when health care provision is essential to student's participation and development in school programs

Mental Health and Addictions Nurses
Assessment, intervention and support for students and families with mental health and or addiction issues, including consultation for school staff as appropriate

Placement Services
Determine eligibility for admission to long-term care facilities and prioritize and manage the admission process; support and information for applicants and their families prior to and during admission process

Nursing Clinics
Services for ambulatory patients at community clinics

Supported Living
Information and/or assessment for Adult Day Programs (ADS), Retirement Homes, Supports for Daily Living or Supportive Housing

Health Care Connect
Referral to family health care providers who may be accepting new patients, for registered program participants (individuals and families) who do not have a family physician