Searching for Help To Find Housing

A day program being offered for people experiencing homelessness.

• Water, juice and granola bars provided
• Support staff on site from various organizations including Canadian Mental Health Association, Family Services Street Outreach, CommUnity Partnership and Community Health Centre
• Assistance provided with applications to Central Housing Registry, and housing searches

To provide supported subsidized housing for individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and who have a mental illness. The program works with private market landlords in the community acting in a liaison capacity to assist with providing access to safe, affordable and stable housing for consumers who are receiving community support services. This program provides:

• Safe affordable access to housing
• Community based private market housing
• Search for affordable housing
• Landlord/tenant resolution and tenancy support
• Supports to maintain housing in the community

Maintains a centralized waiting list for most social housing providers in Windsor and Essex County.

• assists applicants in Windsor and Essex County seeking accommodation in social or non-profit housing through the use of a co-ordinated access system
• provides a single access point to housing resources in the community

Call or walk-in service includes:

• application form for service providers
• information about social housing in the community
• determining eligibility for assisted housing meeting required criteria of the provider

Click here for service disruption notices for residents


Community Housing Corporation Windsor-Essex & CHR Complaint Process Click Here for Details

COVID19 Important Information: Closed for in person services until further notice; services being offered by phone

Housing information, help and advocacy including:

• networking and information on all types of rental accommodation (co-ops and non-profits, public housing, private market units, barrier free units and transitional housing units)
• One-on-one client assistance in homelessness prevention
• provide counselling and connect clients with other service agencies or landlords to obtain or retain housing
• Rent supplement assistance
• Transitional housing
• Landlords wishing to register affordably priced and vacant units for the general public or Syrian refugees can do so on the website

To provide supported subsidized housing for individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and who have a mental illness. The program works with private market landlords in the community acting in a liaison capacity to assist with providing access to safe, affordable and stable housing for consumers who are receiving community support services. This program provides:

• Safe affordable access to housing
• Community based private market housing
• Search for affordable housing
• Landlord/tenant resolution and tenancy support
• Supports to maintain housing in the community

Day program for people experiencing homelessness. Supports offered include:

• food, restrooms, clothing, quiet spaces, computers, phones
• shelter during extreme weather conditions
• housing search assistance, enrolment in government income support programs such as Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program, referrals to other local community agencies, access to harm reduction services

Provides services to individuals in Lambton County & Municipality of Chatham-Kent who have a diagnosed mental illness and are in need of support; individuals who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness; anyone who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide regardless of mental health history; family members of individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis; or any professionals in the community who require consultation/assistance regarding an individual with a mental health concern or mental health crisis

• case management services
• crisis services
• vocational support
• trusteeship program
• court support services
• housing support
• preventative education program
• geriatric services
• early intervention and long acting injection clinic

Provide housing support services to help prevent homelessness and provide assistance to those in need of adequate, affordable, permanent housing.

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

Food, Clothing and Furniture Assistance: to those in need based on financial need, and current situation.

Operation Cover Up: provide gently used winter coats to families in need.

Housing support program: Provides assistance in matters relating to housing (rental lists, landlord/tenant issues). Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) applications for hydro and gas. Emergency assistance for utility and rental arrears.

Christmas Assistance: Provides families with food hampers and toys (for children up to age 12). Application required with identification, proof of income and expenses.

Shower Facilities: Available for homeless individuals.

A partnership between Employment and Social Services (ESS) and the Chatham Kent Public Libraries (CKPL). Community Navigators assist residents with navigating systems (Housing, Education, Employment, and Income); working with technology, and connecting with supportive community services.

Services include:

• Provide one to one instruction in accessing government, social and health services online
• Provide referrals to other social services, employment and educational programs in the community
• Assist patrons with completing applications for government programs and benefits
• Completing personal income tax returns for qualifying low-income residents
• Employment Support:
  • Create, edit, copy and proofread resumes
  • The development of a cover letter
  • Complete online job applications
  • Interview information and preparation support
  • Assistance with research on potential employers
  • Finding and understanding Labour Market information
• Deliver workshops and clinics including the Rent Smart program and I.D. clinics
• Provides computers to qualifying low-income youth, families and eligible charitable and non-profit organizations via the Computer Connects program

Services are available to all residents of Chatham Kent virtually and through the 11 branches of the library.

Provides rental assistance through a number of housing programs. The Housing Services Department also manages housing owned by the County of Lambton and administers non-profit, co-operative and rent supplement programs. The Housing Services Department also provides assistance to home owners for home renovations and down payment assistance for those renters wishing to become homeowners.

Provides services to individuals in Lambton County & Municipality of Chatham-Kent who have a diagnosed mental illness and are in need of support; individuals who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness; anyone who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide regardless of mental health history; family members of individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis; or any professionals in the community who require consultation/assistance regarding an individual with a mental health concern or mental health crisis

• case management services
• crisis services
• vocational support
• trusteeship program
• court support services
• housing support
• preventative education program
• geriatric services
• early intervention and long acting injection clinic

COVID-19 - Essential services continue with pre-screening protocols for Transportation, Meals on Wheels, Personal Support and Crisis Intervention. Diners Club has returned and Fitness Classes are scheduled to return this fall. As COVID-19 municipality stages are implemented, services may change; contact the office directly for latest updates.

Assists low income, at-risk seniors find supportive housing in a retirement home. Organization contracts with participating retirement homes to provide subsidy to those that qualify.

COVID-19 - Fitness Classes (soon) and Diners Club (has returned) are returning. Essential services continue with pre-screening protocols for Transportation, Meals on Wheels, Personal Support and Crisis Intervention. As COVID-19 municipality stages are implemented, services may change; contact the office directly for latest updates.

Provides a range of support services for older adults and adults with disabilities. Services include:

• Non-Urgent Stretcher Van Transportation
• Accessible Transportation
• Homemaking / Home Help (incl. laundry, light housekeeping, meal preparation & errands)
• Personal Support
• Caregiver & Respite Support
• Home Maintenance
• Meals on Wheels (rural County only)
• Diners Club (Seniors Luncheons - call office for locations)
• Exercise Classes for Seniors
• Crisis Intervention
• Housing Support
• Seniors Cruise in June.(currently on hiatus)

Develops and administers assistance programs related to home ownership, private rental housing, affordable housing, social housing, transitional housing, supportive housing and homeless shelters * manages all city-owned housing

City-Owned Housing - Rent-geared to income housing owned and directly managed by the City of St Thomas

Coordinated Access Centre - Processes applications for most subsidized social housing units in Elgin and St Thomas

Housing Assistance Programs - Administers housing assistance programs, including assistance with utility costs

Assistance with applying to subsidized housing in St Thomas and Elgin County * access to resources, including apartment application requirements, current apartment and room rental listings, information on subjects related to obtaining and maintaining housing * linking with appropriate services such as income support

One-on-one residential supports * includes employment, recreational and volunteer activities * amount and duration of support varies according to personal need

Maintains listings of housing available throughout the City of London * listings available at the office or on the website

Operates on a self-serve basis * website also contains information about the rights and responsibilities of renting

Manages access to government social services, such as Ontario Works * provides financial support for basic needs * emergency financial aid * administers subsidies to assist eligible families with the costs of licensed child care * employment assistance

Basic Financial Assistance (Ontario Works) - Short term income assistance for the cost of shelter and basic needs including food and clothing * also offers limited Emergency Assistance and Discretionary Benefits

Burial Assistance - For eligible applicants, financial assistance for families unable to meet the cost of a funeral and burial * the county will agree to pay the funeral costs up to a predetermined maximum * any income from other sources (insurance policies, Canada Pension Plan Death Benefits and family contributions) will be taken into consideration for payment ahead of the county contribution * for more information, call 519-434-7321 ext 2236

Child Care Fee Subsidy - Financial assistance toward the cost of licensed child care * for more information, call 519-434-7321 ext 2289 or 2265

Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) - One-time emergency financial assistance towards electricity bills for people who are in jeopardy of disconnection of a utility service * applicant must currently have received a disconnection notice, or have been disconnected * fund available for families in Middlesex County not receiving other forms of social assistance * application form available on Middlesex County Social Services website

Employment Assistance - Supports to eligible Ontario Works clients to help become and stay employed, such as job search support, basic education, employment placement, skills training, community participation and participation in substance use recovery programs * financial assistance may be provided to clients to cover certain related expenses such as transportation, child care and clothing

Housing Assistance - Social Housing providers are located throughout London and Middlesex * each program offers different housing alternatives (nonprofit housing, cooperative housing, subsidy, rent supplement program and rent-geared-to-income programs * for more information, or to apply, visit the Housing Access Centre or call 519-661-0861

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) - Program for eligible Ontario Works clients * parents under the age of 18 must participate in the program to remain eligible for OW * parents between the ages of 18 to 25 may voluntarily participate * completion of LEAP requirements entitles participant to $500 bursary, to be applied to post-secondary education, or may be saved for their children

Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) - Financial assistance available to eligible people and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless * assistance with hydro and rent arrears

Studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments with kitchenette

Weekly housekeeping, all meals, heat and air conditioning, hydro, parking * attendant escorts, recreational activities, personal care available for an additional fee

Recreational facilities and social opportunities are open to the public

Service coordination for children and youth with complex needs that may require a response from more than one service provider

CSCN is the single point of access to residential-based treatment services for children and adolescents

Service coordination for children and youth with complex needs who may require a response from more than one service provider * single point of access for children and adolescents who require access to residential-based mental health treatment services * Developmental Services Ontario South West Region and Passport South West Region are divisions of this agency

Children's Services - Service coordination for children and youth with complex needs that may require a response from more than one service provider

Developmental Services Ontario - South West Region - Single point of access to adult developmental services funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services for adults with a developmental disability

Passport Program - Helps adults who have a developmental disability to be involved in their communities and live as independently as possible by providing funding for community participation services and supports, activities of daily living and person-directed planning * passport funding can also be used to provide caregiver respite

WrapAround - Individualized, coordinated, family-driven plans to meet the complex needs of children and their families

Information and applications for London and Middlesex Housing Corporation units, nonprofit housing, cooperative housing, subsidy, rent supplement program and rent-geared-to-income programs

Reviews application and explains the different housing options that are available then forwards application directly to the housing provider selected * maintains a Common Waitlist System * housing providers have a variety of handicapped accessible units

Ontario Renovates Program - Program offers financial assistance for low to moderate income households to increase accessibility of their dwelling through minor modifications and adaptations * funding is limited * applications accepted on a first come, first served basis until funds are depleted

Community-based housing support services * Housing Stability Worker assists with locating and securing housing * develops an action plan to meet client's needs * action plan includes goal setting and strategies to work towards community stability

Supports may include:

• finding and securing permanent housing
• support with activities of daily living (cooking, cleaning)
• support with community appointments and grocery shopping
• financial/budgeting needs
• crisis management and/or prevention
• substance use and addiction support
• support in addressing physical and mental health needs
• information and referral to community resources and services
• building community relationships and support networks
• community recreation and leisure activities

Community-based housing support services * Housing Stability Worker assists with locating and securing housing * develops an action plan to meet client's needs * action plan includes goal setting and strategies to work towards community stability

Supports may include:

• finding and securing permanent housing
• support with activities of daily living (cooking, cleaning)
• support with community appointments and grocery shopping
• financial/budgeting needs
• crisis management and/or prevention
• substance use and addiction support
• support in addressing physical and mental health needs
• information and referral to community resources and services
• building community relationships and support networks
• community recreation and leisure activities