Searching for Housing Expense Assistance

Provides financial assistance to individuals or families who are homeless or facing homelessness to obtain or maintain housing

To establish a new residence:

• financial assistance for first/last months rent
• financial assistance for utility deposit
• financial assistance for moving/storage expenses

To avoid eviction or disconnection of utilities:

• financial assistance for rental arrears
• financial assistance for utility and fuel arrears (gas, hydro, water, propane, oil or wood)

• Provides assistance with the down payment to buy a home
• Offered in the form of a 20-year forgivable loan

Note: The loan is 10% of the purchase price of a home. There is no requirement for repayment if the home remains the sole and principle residence for 20 years.

Provides a direct, monthly benefit payment to eligible households to help pay their rent
​
Benefit payments are:

• based on household income and local market rent
• portable - benefits may be received even if moved to another address

Households who are approved to receive benefits under this program must consent to be removed from the social housing waiting list

• Provides support to individuals and families who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless due to a crisis situation
• Addresses the immediate crisis and stabilizes the household
• Identifies areas of concern where an individual or family may require additional supports
• Serves as the entry point for all other services

Offers the following services:

Housing sustainability plan

• An assessment is completed to determine the current housing and financial status of the household and the short and long-term interventions and resources required to stabilize the household

Advocacy

• Works with individuals, families and partner agencies to find alternate solutions to resolve conflicts that do not always involve the need for funding

Imminent Housing acquisition and stabilization

• Targets individuals who have been released from the hospital, detoxification programs, or the justice system
• Provides immediate housing and stabilization tools, such as prescriptions, food, and household starter packs

Rent Arrears

• Can only be accessed once the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) has been exhausted
• Individuals and families can access on a sliding scale up to two months of rent arrears

Community Housing Guarantee Program

• Ensures landlords receive last months rent in order to provide an incentive to house individuals and families who are in difficult financial situations but require housing

Landlord Liaison

• Liaises with public and private landlords to help individuals or families who are at risk of eviction either remain housed or find and secure housing

Vacancy List

• Responsible for producing a daily Vacancy List and distributing it to partners across the District

Energy Fund

• Provides intervention prior to the disconnection of utilities in order to save money and avoid shelter stays and large deposit requirements

Housing success Facilitators

• Facilitators respond to crisis intervention requests and take part in crisis assessments where expertise is required to ensure the best support services are utilized

Immediate Stabilization Tool-Kit

• Provides households with items that ensure a house remains functional, such as appliances, prescriptions, and household starter packs

Hoarding Response Team

• Responds to suspected cases of hoarding, only when the local fire department has been contacted

Recovery Bank

A joint initiative between LIPI and the Near North Landlords Association providing assistance to both landlords and tenants who have struggled financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic

• Accepting applications from tenants with rent and/or utility arrears
• Accepting applications from the tenants' landlords with rent arrears

Application form can be found online here
Appointments can be made by phone for those without computer access

Property Tax Hardship Program

Provides assistance to North Bay households with property tax arrears on primary residence, due to the COVID-19 pandemic

• Program will match taxpayer payments made to property tax account
• Maximum contribution of 50% of tax arrears determined at time of application
• Arrears prior to February 1, 2020 are not eligible for the program
• Payments will be made directly to City on behalf of taxpayer

Application form can be found online here

Offers programs to financially assist those in need:

• Ontario Works (OW) - Provides financial assistance and employment and life stabilization supports to assist individuals with their basic needs and accommodation while focusing on obtaining paid employment. The Ontario Works Program also makes referrals to the Ontario Disability Support Program for those individuals with a health problem that prevents them from seeking employment.
  
• Emergency assistance is also available to people who are in a crisis or an emergency situation (e.g. people who have lost their homes, are leaving an abusive relationship and/or are worried about their safety)
  
• Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) - Assists those that are homeless or at risk of being homeless with financial assistance with rent or mortgage arrears, hydro, oil, propane or other items or services that may prevent homelessness.

Also an intake agency for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), a program that reduces the electricity bill of lower-income homes. Provides a monthly credit to eligible customers based on household income and size. Credit will apply directly to eligible customer's electricity bills.

COVID-19 Response
Due to COVID-19 precautions, please call to schedule an appointment. In East Parry Sound call 705-384-5392, in West Parry Sound call 705-746-4264 to schedule an appointment.

COVID-19 Resources are available at https://mps.cmha.ca/news/covid-19-resources

If you are in crisis, call 1-888-893-8333

Regular Service
Provides:

• mental health crisis intervention, treatment, and community support (case management) services
• assessment and referral
• counselling/psychotherapy
• psychiatric consultation
• intensive case management for individuals with serious mental illness
• group services in some cases

Core Services include:

• Crisis/Intake support services - single point of entry for all services of the Core Program.
  • Screening and review of all referrals.
  • 24 hour telephone Crisis support service.
  • Community crisis support.
  • Post crisis follow-up.
  • 24 hour consultations to hospitals.
• COAST (Community Outreach and Support Team) - a multidisciplinary, mobile, outreach team providing individualized treatment for a persistent and serious mental illness, including:
  • housing
  • medication
  • rehabilitation
  • employment and financial services
• Court Diversion and Support - redirection from criminal justice system for minor offenses. The person agrees to an individualized support/treatment program in the community.
• Supportive Housing Service - rent supplements to clients who have experienced serious mental illness, are homeless or at risk of being homeless and receiving ongoing service from the Agency.
• Counselling, Psychotherapy and Education Service - individual counselling (as resources allow) including:
  • assessment, treatment planning and case management
  • group counselling
  • community consultation and education of mental health issues

Other programs include:

• Regional Seniors' Mental Health Consultation Service - mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment recommendations and limited follow-up and/or referral on an outreach basis for people with age-related mental health problems. Collaborates with health care agencies and caregivers to provide advocacy for clients and their families.
• Adult Protective Services (APS) - assist developmentally disabled adults to live independently in the community including:
  • locating and retaining accommodation
  • counselling for life skills, financial management and emotional issues
  • co-ordinating medical and dental appointments, etc
  • advocating for client rights
  • assisting clients with the judicial system
• Council of Consumer/Survivor and Family Initiatives - peer-guided community program for people who live with mental health issues (see separate record).
• Volunteer Program - volunteer opportunities to assist in services and enhancement of quality of life for people with a serious mental illness or developmental disability. Volunteer Coordinator can be reached at 705-645-2262.
• Partner Assault Response Program - a 12 week court ordered education group involving domestic violence (see separate record).
• Developmental Disabilities Regional Outreach Program - psychiatric consultation and treatment for adults with developmental disabilities and serious mental health illness

Works to meet the immediate and basic needs of people.

Food bank can be accessed once a month. Delivery of food available to housebound individuals.

Provides emergency financial assistance to individuals and families for expenses related to housing and health including utility and rental arrears, medical and dental expenses.

Works cooperatively with the Table Food Kitchen, Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus, Faith Baptist Church and the District of Muskoka Community Services to find resources for those in need. Also provides budget counselling.

Christmas hamper program: provides food hamper, food voucher and gift cards for each child. Families without children receive food hamper and food voucher. Hampers can be picked up at St Mary's. Hampers will also be delivered by the Knights of Columbus for those unable to pick up .

COVID-19 Response
Due to COVID-19 precautions, please call 705-645-2262 to schedule an appointment.

The Greenhouse Drop In Centre is temporarily closed until further notice.

COVID-19 Resources are available at https://mps.cmha.ca/news/covid-19-resources

If you are in crisis, call 1-888-893-8333

Regular Service
Provides:

• mental health crisis intervention, treatment, and community support (case management) services
• assessment and referral
• counselling/psychotherapy
• psychiatric consultation
• intensive case management for individuals with serious mental illness
• group services in some cases

Core Services include:

• Crisis/Intake support services - single point of entry for all services of the Core Program.
  • Screening and review of all referrals.
  • 24 hour telephone Crisis support service.
  • Community crisis support.
  • Post crisis follow-up.
  • 24 hour consultations to hospitals.
• COAST (Community Outreach and Support Team) - a multidisciplinary, mobile, outreach team providing individualized treatment for a persistent and serious mental illness, including:
  • housing
  • medication
  • rehabilitation
  • employment and financial services
• Court Diversion and Support - redirection from criminal justice system for minor offenses. The person agrees to an individualized support/treatment program in the community.
• Supportive Housing Service - rent supplements to clients who have experienced serious mental illness, are homeless or at risk of being homeless and receiving ongoing service from the Agency.
• Counselling, Psychotherapy and Education Service - individual counselling (as resources allow) including:
  • assessment, treatment planning and case management
  • group counselling
  • community consultation and education of mental health issues

Other programs include:

• Regional Seniors' Mental Health Consultation Service - mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment recommendations and limited follow-up and/or referral on an outreach basis for people with age-related mental health problems. Collaborates with health care agencies and caregivers to provide advocacy for clients and their families.
• Adult Protective Services (APS) - assist developmentally disabled adults to live independently in the community including:
  • locating and retaining accommodation
  • counselling for life skills, financial management and emotional issues
  • co-ordinating medical and dental appointments, etc
  • advocating for client rights
  • assisting clients with the judicial system
• Council of Consumer/Survivor and Family Initiatives - peer-guided community program for people who live with mental health issues (see separate record).
• Volunteer Program - volunteer opportunities to assist in services and enhancement of quality of life for people with a serious mental illness or developmental disability. Volunteer Coordinator can be reached at 705-645-2262.
• Partner Assault Response Program - a 12 week court ordered education group involving domestic violence (see separate record).
• Developmental Disabilities Regional Outreach Program - psychiatric consultation and treatment for adults with developmental disabilities and serious mental health illness

Offers programs to financially assist those in need:

• Ontario Works (OW) - Provides financial assistance and employment and life stabilization supports to assist individuals with their basic needs and accommodation while focusing on obtaining paid employment. The Ontario Works Program also makes referrals to the Ontario Disability Support Program for those individuals with a health problem that prevents them from seeking employment.
  
• Emergency assistance is also available to people who are in a crisis or an emergency situation (e.g. people who have lost their homes, are leaving an abusive relationship and/or are worried about their safety)
  
• Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) - Assists those that are homeless or at risk of being homeless with financial assistance with rent or mortgage arrears, hydro, oil, propane or other items or services that may prevent homelessness.

Also an intake agency for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), a program that reduces the electricity bill of lower-income homes. Provides a monthly credit to eligible customers based on household income and size. Credit will apply directly to eligible customer's electricity bills.

COVID-19 Response
Due to COVID-19 precautions, please call for an appointment. In East Parry Sound call 705-384-5392, in West Parry Sound call 705-746-4264 to schedule an appointment.

COVID-19 Resources are available at https://mps.cmha.ca/news/covid-19-resources

If you are in crisis, call 1-888-893-8333

Regular Service
Provides:

• mental health crisis intervention, treatment, and community support (case management) services
• assessment and referral
• counselling/psychotherapy
• psychiatric consultation
• intensive case management for individuals with serious mental illness
• group services in some cases

Core Services include:

• Crisis/Intake support services - single point of entry for all services of the Core Program.
  • Screening and review of all referrals.
  • 24 hour telephone Crisis support service.
  • Community crisis support.
  • Post crisis follow-up.
  • 24 hour consultations to hospitals.
• COAST (Community Outreach and Support Team) - a multidisciplinary, mobile, outreach team providing individualized treatment for a persistent and serious mental illness, including:
  • housing
  • medication
  • rehabilitation
  • employment and financial services
• Court Diversion and Support - redirection from criminal justice system for minor offenses. The person agrees to an individualized support/treatment program in the community.
• Supportive Housing Service - rent supplements to clients who have experienced serious mental illness, are homeless or at risk of being homeless and receiving ongoing service from the Agency.
• Counselling, Psychotherapy and Education Service - individual counselling (as resources allow) including:
  • assessment, treatment planning and case management
  • group counselling
  • community consultation and education of mental health issues

Other programs include:

• Regional Seniors' Mental Health Consultation Service - mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment recommendations and limited follow-up and/or referral on an outreach basis for people with age-related mental health problems. Collaborates with health care agencies and caregivers to provide advocacy for clients and their families.
• Adult Protective Services (APS) - assist developmentally disabled adults to live independently in the community including:
  • locating and retaining accommodation
  • counselling for life skills, financial management and emotional issues
  • co-ordinating medical and dental appointments, etc
  • advocating for client rights
  • assisting clients with the judicial system
• Council of Consumer/Survivor and Family Initiatives - peer-guided community program for people who live with mental health issues (see separate record).
• Volunteer Program - volunteer opportunities to assist in services and enhancement of quality of life for people with a serious mental illness or developmental disability. Volunteer Coordinator can be reached at 705-645-2262.
• Partner Assault Response Program - a 12 week court ordered education group involving domestic violence (see separate record).
• Developmental Disabilities Regional Outreach Program - psychiatric consultation and treatment for adults with developmental disabilities and serious mental health illness
• Single Session Walk-in clinic - free single session counselling on a drop-in basis and offers a quick access to support for individuals, couples and families.

Provides financial assistance for rental and/or utility arrears, utility connection fees or financial assistance towards first/last month's rent to secure permanent housing for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and are considered low income but not on Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits

Provides a direct, monthly benefit payment to eligible households to help pay their rent
​
Benefit payments are:

• based on household income and local market rent
• portable - benefits may be received even if moved to another address

Households who are approved to receive benefits under this program must consent to be removed from the social housing waiting list

Provides housing support services, including:

Rent Supplement

• Offers a rent subsidy to individuals who require financial assistance to obtain or maintain housing
• Works in partnership with landlords in the Sudbury/Manitoulin Districts to provide safe and affordable housing

Housing Case Management

• Provides short-term support to individuals who require assistance in sustaining and maintaining their housing
• Helps individuals maintain their wellness and develop daily living skills to avoid crisis, hospitalizations, and risk of homelessness
• Supports individuals for a period of 3-4 months

Provides financial assistance in making modifications to homes and/or vehicles for people with physical disabilities

A program for low and modest income households that provides funding for necessary home modification including:

• home repairs such as new windows, doors, roofs
• home accessibility modifications for persons with disabilities
• purchase and installation of energy-saving products

COVID-19 Response
For the latest updates on all District program and service impacts, visit www.muskoka.on.ca/coronavirus
or by calling 705-645-2100 or by email at info@muskoka.on.ca.

Regular Service
The Community and Planning Services Department has responsibilities for Community Services including Social Assistance, Children's Services, Housing (including Affordable Housing Programs) and Seniors Programs and Services.

Social Assistance:
Ontario Works is a form of social assistance and helps people who are in financial need. View separate record here.

Housing Division:

• Case Managers work one-on-one with homeless individuals to secure housing.
• Transitional Housing (Alex's Place) provides safe, affordable and supportive housing on temporary basis for young people aged 16 to 24 that are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. See website for more information.
• Social Housing Program provides affordable rental housing for people whose income prevents them from finding adequate housing in the private rental market (through rent-geared-to-income or subsidies).
• Offers the Rent Supplement program to tenants providing eligible applicants with a monthly Rent Supplement that is paid directly to their landlord.
• Offers Gateway Homeownership Program (Forgivable loan program to assist with down payment of affordable housing).
• Offers Ontario Renovates Program (Program for low and modest income households that provides funding for necessary home repairs, home accessibility modifications for persons with disabilities and for the purchase and installation of energy-saving products).
• Offers Capital Incentive Funding for developers, builders and home owners toward new homes for sale or personal use.

Housing Support Fund:

• Offers one time assistance to avoid arrears, eviction or secure permanent housing.
• Utility and mortgage assistance may be available for heat, hydro, water, mortgage, utility deposits or other one-time or unusual costs - check I Need Help - Emergency Assistance and Homelessness webpage for more information.
• Has a homelessness community worker to assist individuals with housing information, eviction prevention, rent supplement, and housing allowance programs.

Children's Programs and Services:

• The District of Muskoka is responsible for Muskoka's Child Care system. Offers programs, subsidies and information for parents and child care providers. In addition to Licensed Child Care Centres, there are options for licensed home based child care through the Muskoka Home Child Care Agency or through YMCA Simcoe Muskoka.
• Offers subsidized child care assistance to working or in-school residents in the form of a fee subsidy.
• Offers EarlyON Programs throughout Muskoka communities. For programming schedules and locations or to learn more, visit: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/community-and-social-services/earlyon.aspx.

Senior's Programs and Services:
The District of Muskoka's Seniors Programs and Services help support health and well-being, socialization, and community engagement for seniors in Muskoka. Provincially designated as a Senior's Mobile Active Living Centre, brings programming to various locations throughout Muskoka. For programming schedules and locations or to learn more, visit: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/community-and-social-services/Seniors-Programs-and-Services.aspx.

Community Hubs
There are three Community Service Hubs located throughout Muskoka:

• Gravenhurst: 141 Main St.
• Bracebridge: 70 Pine St.
• Huntsville: 1 King William St. Suite 5

COVID-19 Response
Due to COVID-19 precautions, please call 705-645-2262 to schedule an appointment.

COVID-19 Resources are available at https://mps.cmha.ca/news/covid-19-resources

If you are in crisis, call 1-888-893-8333

Regular Service
Provides:

• mental health crisis intervention, treatment, and community support (case management) services
• assessment and referral
• counselling/psychotherapy
• psychiatric consultation
• intensive case management for individuals with serious mental illness
• group services in some cases

Core Services include:

• Crisis/Intake support services - single point of entry for all services of the Core Program.
  • Screening and review of all referrals.
  • 24 hour telephone Crisis support service.
  • Community crisis support.
  • Post crisis follow-up.
  • 24 hour consultations to hospitals.
• COAST (Community Outreach and Support Team) - a multidisciplinary, mobile, outreach team providing individualized treatment for a persistent and serious mental illness, including:
  • housing
  • medication
  • rehabilitation
  • employment and financial services
• Court Diversion and Support - redirection from criminal justice system for minor offenses. The person agrees to an individualized support/treatment program in the community.
• Supportive Housing Service - rent supplements to clients who have experienced serious mental illness, are homeless or at risk of being homeless and receiving ongoing service from the Agency.
• Counselling, Psychotherapy and Education Service - individual counselling (as resources allow) including:
  • assessment, treatment planning and case management
  • group counselling
  • community consultation and education of mental health issues

Other programs include:

• Regional Seniors' Mental Health Consultation Service - mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment recommendations and limited follow-up and/or referral on an outreach basis for people with age-related mental health problems. Collaborates with health care agencies and caregivers to provide advocacy for clients and their families.
• Adult Protective Services (APS) - assist developmentally disabled adults to live independently in the community including:
  • locating and retaining accommodation
  • counselling for life skills, financial management and emotional issues
  • co-ordinating medical and dental appointments, etc
  • advocating for client rights
  • assisting clients with the judicial system
• Council of Consumer/Survivor and Family Initiatives - peer-guided community program for people who live with mental health issues (see separate record).
• Volunteer Program - volunteer opportunities to assist in services and enhancement of quality of life for people with a serious mental illness or developmental disability. Volunteer Coordinator can be reached at 705-645-2262.
• Partner Assault Response Program - a 12 week court ordered education group involving domestic violence (see separate record).
• Developmental Disabilities Regional Outreach Program - psychiatric consultation and treatment for adults with developmental disabilities and serious mental health illness

A discretionary fund available to provide individuals in the District of Muskoka, who are experiencing or are at-risk of poverty, emergency financial assistance with modest one-time grants to address basic needs including:

• food security (e.g. grocery gift card, baby food, etc.);
• transportation (e.g. gas gift card, taxi voucher, bus ticket, medical transportation, etc.);
• basic needs (e.g. clothing, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene supplies, footwear, etc.) including delivery of items;
• social integration (e.g. access to a cellphone or phone cards, computer rentals, etc.);
• health and wellness (e.g. medication, emergency dental, eyeglasses, etc.);
• housing start-up costs (e.g. furniture, kitchen supplies, bedding, mattress, etc.);
• child care;
• family supports (e.g. parenting courses, educational resources and supplies for children/youth);
• personal Identification (e.g. birth certificate, health card, SIN, driver's license);
• student assistance for elementary and high school students (books, supplies, registration / application fees); and/or,
• mental health supports;
• income tax filing costs;
• utilities

Requests for assistance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Private donations and fundraising for this program provides:

• funding to help people through financial crisis such as assistance with the cost of shelter, transportation, heat, utilities, prescriptions, transportation to medical specialist appointments
• furniture bank list of gently used furniture and household donations which are matched with families in need

Provides assistance to residents through a range of services for housing related needs, including:

• help to maintain housing
• help to find housing
• help with financial assistance
• help for landlords
• help with support services
• help with emergency housing