Searching for Utility Assistance Programs

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.

Food Bank: Walk-in service and home delivery of food (fresh and non perishable) to registered families, individuals and seniors who qualify.

Snack Attack: Offers families with school-aged children better snack choices throughout the week. Snacks are obtained through donations and additional items are purchased.

Shelter/Utility Stability: Provide counsel, mediation and periodic short term financial aid to keep Lincoln residents in their current housing with utilities functioning.

Safe at Home: Provides home furnishings for those in and out of transitional housing and to families in need.

Programs include:

Food Bank: Available once per month for perishable and non-perishable grocery pickup, and once per week for perishable items such as fresh produce, bread and any items we may have an excess of.

Housing: Provides support in completion of Niagara Regional Housing applications. Assesses the need for and makes referrals to partners and emergency shelters.

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) 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.

Dental Assistance: Brushed Aside partner agency. Provide access to dental care for adults in need of dental treatment for pain/infection or dentures.

Identification Clinic: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, assists clients with replacing birth certificates, citizenship cards, records of landing, marriage certificates, health cards, and delayed statements of birth. Clients can also access safe storage of identifications.

Trusteeship: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, provides money management and direct distribution of funds to eligible clients.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart: Provides financially disadvantaged children, aged 4-18 years, with the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities.

Back to School Program: Provides a backpack filled with school supplies to children and youth from low-income families. Works in partnership with the Jumpstart Sneaker Program in providing a new pair of sneakers. Clients can call the main number or email clientservices@communitycarewn.ca to register.

Birthday Program: Registered clients can select gifts for their children's birthdays.

CCWN gratefully accepts donations of fresh perishable and nonperishable food items. Please drop off donations at receiving area (rear of building) Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm.

Assists individuals who are experiencing an emergency in paying their utility bills. The program may be able to help with hydro, gas, and some other types of heating bills. Other means of help include hydro or water deposits along with referrals to partner agencies who may be able to assist further. Families are able to receive assistance once per year through the Utility Grant Program. Funding for this program is limited.

Funding is accessed through the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).

Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to lower electricity bills for low-income households.

Provides intake for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) - emergency financial assistance for low income Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) Hydro customers facing disconnection.

Programs include:

Food Bank: Available once per month for perishable and non-perishable grocery pickup, and once per week for perishable items such as fresh produce, bread and any items we may have an excess of.

Housing: Provides support in completion of Niagara Regional Housing applications. Assesses the need for and makes referrals to partners and emergency shelters.

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) 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.

Dental Assistance: Brushed Aside partner agency. Provide access to dental care for adults in need of dental treatment for pain/infection or dentures.

Identification Clinic: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, assists clients with replacing birth certificates, citizenship cards, records of landing, marriage certificates, health cards, and delayed statements of birth. Clients can also access safe storage of identifications.

Trusteeship: In partnership with Community Care St Catharines, provides money management and direct distribution of funds to eligible clients.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart: Provides financially disadvantaged children, aged 4-18 years, with the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities.

Back to School Program: Provides a backpack filled with school supplies to children and youth from low-income families. Works in partnership with the Jumpstart Sneaker Program in providing a new pair of sneakers. Clients can call the main number or email clientservices@communitycarewn.ca to register.

Birthday Program: Registered clients can select gifts for their children's birthdays.

CCWN gratefully accepts donations of fresh perishable and nonperishable food items. Please drop off donations at receiving area (rear of building) Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm.

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

A non-profit, charitable organization that enhances the quality of life for members of the community who seek assistance and support.

Offers food, clothing, emergency assistance and the following programs:

• Step-Up - funding towards recreational activities for children in low income families
• Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP) intake office
• Vouchers available for clothing or household items
• Resource materials
• Referrals for personal counseling

Utility Assistance: Provides intake for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and the Niagara Emergency Energy Fund (NEEF) for emergency financial assistance for low income households facing disconnection (gas or hydro). Also provides intake for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) to reduce hydro bills. Can assist with other essential services in emergency situations. Must meet eligibility requirements.

Backpack Program: Offers backpacks filled with school supplies to children in JK-Grade 12.

Christmas Program: Provides food, toys and clothing to individuals and families in need at Christmastime.

Thrift Store: A gently used goods store, providing the following at a low cost to the public:

• furniture items
• large and small household goods
• electronics and appliances
• clothing, shoes, accessories
• sporting goods
• toys, books, movies

Also accepts donations during business hours. Funds generated go towards supporting the food bank and its programs.

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.

COVID-19: All inquiries call 905-871-1592

• The food bank is open. Prepackaged hampers are being handed out at the door.
• Perishable pick up suspended
• Utility appointments available
• OESP appointments available
• Virtual Tax Clinic (CVITP) available

A community service hub providing:

• Emergency food bank
• Utility assistance
• Christmas assistance
• Income tax clinics
• Emergency disaster services
• Emergency clothing and small household items
• Community Garden trhough Links for Greener Learning

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

Tax Clinics: CVITP clinic run in conjunction with CRA. Runs from Mar-Nov and provides e-filing of simple tax forms.

Emergency Disaster Services: A team of individuals trained and prepared to be deployed at a moment's notice to provide emergency disaster assistance locally or throughout North America

Christmas Assistance: To register for assistance, go to the website for details.

Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) - low-income energy consumers having trouble paying their bills may qualify for emergency relief to avoid having their service disconnected

Union Gas Energy Assistance Program (UGEAP) - eligible Union Gas/Enbridge customers having trouble paying their natural gas bill may qualify for emergency relief to avoid having their service disconnected

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

This listing describes where to get emergency help to pay a utility bill

LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LEAP)

Provides emergency relief with financial grants of up to $1000 per calendar year for eligible low-income customers

• amount is applied directly to the outstanding balance
• for natural gas bills contact United Way Simcoe Muskoka, 1-855-487-5327
• for electricity/hydro bills contact Salvation Army, Burlington Community and Family Services, 905-637-3893

ONTARIO ELECTRICITY SUPPORT PROGRAM (OESP)

Provides a monthly credit of $35-$113 to eligible customers based on household income and household size

• credits are applied directly to eligible customers' bills
• for assistance with applying call Salvation Army, Burlington Community and Family Services, 905-637-3893 or St. Christopher's Anglican Church, Open Doors Program, 905-634-1809

Housing Stability Fund

One-time assistance for utility bills

• contact Halton Region at 3-1-1 or 905-825-6000
• see separate listing here

Objectives are to relieve poverty for people of all abilities, through programs like:

Food Bank
* see here for more details

Household Goods and Clothing
* when made aware of individual needs for clothing and household goods, OPNC post's those specific needs on Facebook page
* if you have items that you would like to donate, please contact in advance (do not drop off unless need is confirmed)
* annual winter coat drive

Finding Hope in Poverty Support Group
* free counselling and peer to peer support group
* Wed 10 am-11:30 am
* contact hope@opnc.ca

Year Round Income Tax Clinics
* see here for more details
* contact support@opnc.ca
* or visit haltontax.ca

Micro Finance Loans
* can assist with low interest loans for those who would not otherwise qualify (Subject to approval)
* contact support@opnc.ca for appointments

Canada Learning Bond
* Free Government Money for your child's education
* visit smartsaver.org for more details

Utility Bill Payment Assistance
* for more information see, Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance - Oakville

Financial Management Support
* budgeting, information and referral for support
* Wed & Thu 11:30 am-2:30 pm

Assistive Devices
* small inventory of items to give those in need
* ability to provide funding to purchase items
* contact hello@opnc.ca

A neighbourhood centre offering many different supports through community partnerships
* circle time (ages 1-3)
* art therapy
* one-on-one counselling
* Circles of Reconciliation
* Peer Support program
* Anti-Human Trafficking Support

Harm Reduction
* harm reduction supplies and naloxone overdose prevention kits
* community support and referrals
* regular visits from Halton Harm Reduction van

Food Pantry
* for more information, see here

Year Round Income Tax Assistance
* for more information, see here

Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance
* for more information, see here

Other community agencies providing programs at this location include:
* The Bridge: Halton
* STRIDE
* Home Suite Hope
* Women's Centre of Halton
* CMHA Halton
* Elizabeth Fry Society
* SAVIS
* ADAPT
* Summit Housing and Outreach Programs

Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP):

• provides up to $500 assistance with paying bills for low income households where there is danger of disconnection
• provide copy of bill, proof rent/mortgage is up to date, 2 months bank statements and ID for all in household

Hydro:

• call 905-257-6029 ext 105

Gas:

• call 1-855-487-5327 Simcoe Muskoka United Way- LEAP Program 8:30 am-4 pm to begin intake
• United Way will send a partially completed intake form to Oak Park
• Oak Park will call you when the form arrives and ask you to come in with the documents listed above to complete the form
• they will then send the form back to the United Way to see if you will be assisted

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP):

• provides $30-$75 discount per month on hydro bills for residents whose income falls below the Low Income Measure (LIM) cutoff
• the online application can be done if everyone in the household over 17 has completed their income tax and if they have a printer to print off the consent form to mail
• if individuals have not done their taxes or if they now make less than what is on their taxes and that has put them below the poverty line then they must go to Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre for staff to complete the application by looking at bank statements or tax returns to establish that they are living below poverty line and then staff will submit it on their behalf
• contact Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre for more information

Programming includes:
* Food Bank, for details see separate listing here
* Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), for details see separate listing here
* personal development coaching
* back to school supplies, winter coats and Christmas assistance

Emergency services include:
* Lighthouse Emergency Shelter, for details see separate listing here

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.

Program helps ODSP and OW recipients and people with a low income maintain their housing by providing financial assistance.

Financial assistance is available for:

• last month's rent
• rent arrears
• utility arrears
• appliances and mattresses
• bed bug prevention
• moving costs

Contact for information about eligibility for each type of financial assistance.

Objectives are to relieve poverty for people of all abilities, through programs like:

Food Bank
* see here for more details

Household Goods and Clothing
* when made aware of individual needs for clothing and household goods, OPNC post's those specific needs on Facebook page
* if you have items that you would like to donate, please contact in advance (do not drop off unless need is confirmed)
* annual winter coat drive

Finding Hope in Poverty Support Group
* free counselling and peer to peer support group
* Wed 10 am-11:30 am
* contact hope@opnc.ca

Year Round Income Tax Clinics
* see here for more details
* contact support@opnc.ca
* or visit haltontax.ca

Micro Finance Loans
* can assist with low interest loans for those who would not otherwise qualify (Subject to approval)
* contact support@opnc.ca for appointments

Canada Learning Bond
* Free Government Money for your child's education
* visit smartsaver.org for more details

Utility Bill Payment Assistance
* for more information see, Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance - Oakville

Financial Management Support
* budgeting, information and referral for support
* Wed & Thu 11:30 am-2:30 pm

Assistive Devices
* small inventory of items to give those in need
* ability to provide funding to purchase items
* contact hello@opnc.ca

Housing Services

• housing counselling
• information and referral
• matches tenants with landlords, eviction prevention, landlord outreach and recruitment, housing listings

MyAccesstoHousingTO (Housing Connections, see separate entry) Community Partner -- assistance with housing search and application process

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

Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications

• 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

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 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

COVID19 -- services and classes being offered online and in-person; for information or to register and for all other settlement service inquiries, call 905-306-0577 ext 227 or email at info@ncpeel.ca; Crisis Services Direct Lines 416-455-8252 or 416-450-8734

------------ ------------- ---------------

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• English classes
• LINC classes running online and in-person
• childminding may be available; part-time or full-time classes

Labour Market Access for Newcomers

• employment and business start-up assistance
• resume writing and job search skills
• networking and interview skills
• in-person and online classes

Settlement Services

• information and referral
• translation, interpretation and certification of documents
• citizenship preparation classes
• assistance with forms and applications, including access to Ontario Electricity Support Program
• workshops

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

• services delivered in elementary and secondary schools in Mississauga during the school year
• information about the school system
• parent and youth-specific workshops with information on topics such as housing, health care and job search

Community Connections Mentorship Program

• group activities for newly arrived immigrant and refugee youth, adults and seniors
• trained volunteer mentors
• homework help for youth
• computer classes and low impact exercise for seniors

Bridging Generations -- Stronger Parents, Stronger Community

• tools to de-escalate conflicts and advocate for children
• helps parents define acceptable behavior, respond to their children's needs and reinforce their family's values

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