Searching for Utility Assistance Programs

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

Service Details

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Women and Children Social Networking

Office: 289-521-5313
Visit Website

3034 Palstan Rd, Unit 305
Mississauga, ON, L4Y 2Z6 (17km)

General Topics and Information - Burlington

Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance

Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre

Office: 905-629-1873
Visit Website

Burnhamthorpe Library, 3650 Dixie Rd, Suite 103
Mississauga, ON, L4Y 3V9 (18km)

Short Description

COVID19 -- Call or visit website for COVID-related changes

Multi-service agency

Conflict Resolution Service: for individuals or groups to resolve disputes, disagreements, or concerns through free and confidential community mediation

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

Peel Region lead intake agency for LEAP (hydro) through Ontario Energy Board
pre-screening required, qualifying residents receive appointment to complete the application process
access centre for OESP -- assistance with applications
for more information on LEAP for Enbridge Gas, contact United Way Simcoe Muskoka, 1-855-487-5327

Seasonal Income Tax Clinic -- by appointment

Orientation/Settlement Program

assistance accessing health services, education, English language class referrals, translation and interpretation
orientation and information workshops, referrals regarding government services
assistance filling out government forms including forms for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
solution-focused counselling
individual advocacy when needed to obtain community and government services
translation of foreign documents for settlement and educational purposes; Commissioner of Oaths for verifying documents

Health and Wellness Support Services for Newcomers -- one-on-one sessions to address stress, depression, anxiety, or loneliness; support groups and workshops; referrals to other mental health services

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

English classes, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
childminding may be available for attendees with children 6 months to 6 years
bus fare for eligible clients
evening and weekend classes

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

assists newcomer students and their families with settling into their schools and communities
outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June

Newcomer Youth Community Engagement (NYCE)

helps newcomer youth learn about Canadian culture and society, and interact with youth their own age
volunteers assist with English language skills, social skills, leadership building activities, life skills workshops

Disability and Settlement Services

for newcomers with a disability
information and referral, advocacy

EarlyON Child and Family Centres -- see separate entries

Growing Together in Peel (CAPC)

for families with young children birth-6 years looking for extra help and living on low incomes
play programs, parenting information, emotional support
nutrition programs/food security

Caregivers' and Seniors Support Program

education, information and referrals for caregivers and vulnerable seniors
language specific groups and groups with people from all cultures offered

Volunteer opportunities

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Peel Region. Ontario Works

Peel Region. Ontario Works, Mississauga Office

1-800-327-5379
Office: 905-793-9200
Visit Website

7120 Hurontario St
Mississauga, ON, L5W 1N4 (20km)

Albion Neighbourhood Services

Etobicoke Housing Help Centre, South Office

Office: 416-252-5990
Visit Website

185 Fifth St
Toronto, ON, M8V 2Z5 (21km)

Arab Community Centre of Toronto

Arab Community Centre of Toronto, Etobicoke Head Office

Office: 416-231-7746
Visit Website

295 The West Mall, Suite 200
Toronto, ON, M9C 4Z4 (21km)

Short Description

COVID19 -- all services and programs provided through phone, email, zoom, google meet, what's app and other channels whether in group sessions or individually; location is open by appointment

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Settlement Services

information and referral, housing and legal assistance
translation and interpretation
escort to appointments
counselling for students, individuals and families, liaising with Children's Aid Society
youth counselling and parenting sessions
orientation
Community Connections Mentorship Program -- community support through volunteer befriending, help adapting to community life skills, conversation circles to practice English
credential evaluations - referral to World Education Services (WES)

Refugee Services

referral and assistance with shelter, attendance at inquiry, employment, social, welfare and legal services
social and cultural activities
Ontario Community Participation -- volunteer placement program for Ontario Works recipients

Career Café -- ACCT's Employment Services helps newcomers understand and integrate into the Canadian job market

delivered one on one and in a group setting, both online and in-person
self assessment, writing resumes and cover letters, job search techniques, researching the job market and networking

Youth Services

settlement program encouraging civic participation and integration through a focus on recreation, sport, and mentorship

Toronto Youth Job Corps

full time paid employment preparation program for youth 15-30 years who are out of school, out of work, and require support in obtaining and maintaining employment
5 week pre-employment activities including resume preparation, employment readiness skills, career planning, counselling and referral
8 to 16 week supported placement with an employer in the community, with ongoing support after completing the program
placements are in careers such as sales, administration, construction, or trades

Halftime -- a project for Black youth to help them build resiliency against risk factors of violence

Access Centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program

assistance with applications

Problem Gambling Program

culturally appropriate prevention, education and treatment with outreach and public education to community groups
individual or group counselling for gamblers or those affected by gambling

Domestic Violence Education Program

counselling and referral for victims of family violence

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Toronto. Employment and Social Services

Ontario Works, Queensway Office

1-888-999-1142
Office: 416-392-6550
Visit Website

779 The Queensway
Toronto, ON, M8Z 1N4 (23km)

Short Description

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

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 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

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

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 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

Service Details

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Links2Care

Community Support Services, Georgetown Office

Georgetown: 1-866-920-6502
Oakville: 1-866-844-0252
Office: Georgetown: 905-873-6502
Acton: 519-853-3310
Oakville: 905-844-0252
Visit Website

360 Guelph St, Unit 33
Halton Hills, ON, L7G 4B5 (25km)

Short Description

Community support programs in Halton Hills:

information and referral regarding health and social service agencies
assistance and advocacy support to individuals and families experiencing difficulties, especially those who have no other place to go
volunteers prepare income tax returns for people who have a modest income and a simple tax situation
Help with Gas and Hydro Program offers funding to lower income families and individuals who are at risk of having their service disconnected, and have exhausted all other sources of financial aid
needs coordination matches those who need household items with those who are able to provide them
transitional housing is available for families who are homeless * rent geared to income * community support coordinator provides family support
Holiday Hampers provides hampers of children's clothing and toys for families experiencing financial difficulties
Backpack Program provides school supplies to children in need * application available online (apply before August 12) * contact jbattista@links2care.ca
Jumpstart Program (in partnership with Canadian Tire) provides financial help for kids' sports and recreational activities
Fresh Food Box supplies fresh produce monthly at a reasonable cost

Seniors Programs in Halton Hills:

Meals on Wheels, Meals on Ice, Wheels to Meals, congregate dining
letter Carriers alert * provides reassurance and a check on the well-being of those living alone who receive mail delivery to their door * in partnership with Georgetown and Acton postal workers
supportive housing program provides essential support services to eligible seniors living at Lakeview Villa in Acton

Youth Programs:

Off the Wall (Acton)
Open Door (Georgetown)
individual youth and family support available in person, by phone and over the internet

Children's Programs:

Georgetown Parent-Child Centre

Links2Kids School Age Programs

Acton Parent-Child Resource Centre

Parenting Programs:

individual parenting support
parenting programs available through the Parent Child Resources Centres

Care At Home - Hot and Frozen Meals - Program enables older adults and adults with a disability to have access to affordable meals in their home * meals include hot meals (Meals on Wheels), frozen meals (Meals on Ice), volunteers taking people to a local restaurant (Wheels to Meals), and Congregate Dining (designated seniors apartment buildings in Acton and georgetown)

Care In The Community - Care Connections of Halton Hills - A community hub of service agencies sharing space to offer easier access to integrated health and social services * Care Connection Partners include

Services and Programs:

Care At Home - Congregate Dining
Links2Care - Acton - Wallace St
Links2Care - Georgetown - James St
Links2Care - Georgetown - Joseph Gibbons Public School
Links2Care - Georgetown - Park Public School

Service Details

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Toronto. Employment and Social Services

Ontario Works, Attwell Office

1-888-999-1142
Office: 416-392-6400
Visit Website

220 Attwell Dr
Toronto, ON, M9W 6T9 (26km)

Short Description

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 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

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

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

Service Details

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Peel Region. Housing and Shelter

Housing Supports

Office: 905-790-7335
Crisis: 905-453-1300
General Inquiries: 905-793-9200
Visit Website

10 Peel Centre Dr, Suite A and B
Brampton, ON, L6T 4B9 (28km)