Searching for Utility Assistance Programs

Administers housing assistance programs, including assistance with utility costs

Programs include:

Housing Links for People (HeLP) Program - assistance with rental arrears, utility arrears, temporary housing, assistance with moving costs, emergency assistance with daily living costs and other forms of assistance to prevent homelessness

Housing Allowance Program - subsidies to tenants with private landlords to reduce tenant rent to affordable levels

Home Repair Program - financial assistance to low-income homeowners facing necessary repairs

Affordable Homeownership Program - financial assistance with down payment for first time home buyers

Low Income Energy Assistance Program - assistance with hydro arrears in St Thomas

Union Gas Emergency Assistance Program - Interest-free loan/grant program * people may be eligible if utilities, including gas, water or electricity, are going to be disconnected or already have been disconnected

• Effective Jan 1, 2017, to obtain an Emergency Utility Assistance Gas Arrears Grant through the Housing Stability Bank, applicants must first complete intake process conducted by the United Way of Greater Simcoe * final applications will be processed by the Housing Stability Bank
• To determine eligibility and complete intake application, call the United Way of Greater Simcoe toll free at 1-855-487-5327
• Once eligibility is determined, the Housing Stability Bank will contact eligible applicants to set up an appointment to begin processing their application at a Housing Stability Bank location

• dental care for adults
• vision care for adults
• prosthetic appliances
• funerals and burials
• heating payments and payments for low-cost heating energy conservation measures

• vocational training and retraining
• travel and transportation that is not for health-related purposes
• moving expenses
• any other special service, item or payment authorized by the Director

Financial assistance available to eligible people and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless * assistance with hydro and rent arrears

Program sponsored by the Government of Ontario and administered by the County of Middlesex to address local priorities * people on Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), as well as low-income residents of Middlesex County may be eligible

• 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;
• employment readiness (e.g. professional clothing, professional development opportunities, workshops, training certificate, etc.);
• 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

• 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;
• employment readiness (e.g. professional clothing, professional development opportunities, workshops, training certificate, etc.);
• 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

• Assist those in the community who are in need or in crisis situations.
• Food assistance is given once a month unless extenuating circumstances exist.
• Offer Christmas assistance by providing families with food hampers and toys (for children up to age 12). Application required with identification, proof of income and expenses.

• rent-geared-to-income housing
• homeownership program
• ontario renovates program
• housing allowance and rental supplements
• emergency assistance
• shelter assistance

• food vouchers for local grocery store
  
• offer material and spiritual aid regardless of race, colour or creed
  
• offer eligible individuals and families help with rent and utilities in emergency situations

• drug coverage for most of the cost of prescription drugs for eligible family members
• special diet requirements due to a medical condition
• pregnancy nutritional/breastfeeding allowance for coverage of dietary needs during pregnancy and for 12 months after delivery if breastfeeding
• health-related Items such as diabetic supplies, surgical supplies and, dressings, approved medical transportation of $15 or more per month, and a guide dog benefit
• employment-related benefits when starting a new job or employment assistance activity

• utility arrears
• utility deposits
• housing-related arrears
• last month's rent

• diversion and prevention - stabilizes those at imminent risk of homelessness to maintain their housing or find alternative accommodation through access to case management and financial supports
  
• financial management services - acts as homelessness prevention for voluntary and mandatory clients needing support with their finances to maintain housing stability. The service ensures the payment of rent and utilities and access to case management supports
  
• ID clinic - provides financial supports to obtain a birth certificate, health card and other forms of ID. Staff will help complete the applications and may help with the cost of renewal or application fees
  
• rapid rehousing - Immediate access to short-term case management and financial support to avoid or exit emergency accommodations into permanent housing with necessary wrap around supports
  
• Housing Stability Fund - program can help obtain and maintain stable housing by providing utility arrears and deposits, housing related arrears or last month's rent
  
• outreach - community-based support
  
• access to emergency shelter

• Assists clients with: homelessness
• eviction notices
• landlord/tenant mediatio
• landlord registry
• rental listings
• information on tenant rights
• advocacy
• transportation to emergency shelters
• utility assistance