Searching for Utility Assistance Programs

• accessible parking permit
• birth and death registration
• building permit
• business license and permit
• dog license
• filming in Brant
• financial assistance
• lottery license
• marriage license
• open air burning and permit
• oversize overweight loads permit
• planning application
• public works permit
• site alteration permit
• special events permit
• vehicle for hire

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• preventative action to help those at risk of homelessness
• individualized plans for those struggling to attain a long-term residence

• prevention assistance supports households in preserving their current housing situation
• diversion support assists adults and families in finding housing outside of shelter
• prevention and diversion services help stabilize current situations while assisting with a permanent housing solution

• assess needs of individuals and families through a standardized assessment tool
• assist with aquiring suitable housing
• identify intervention recommendations
• supports their transition to a case manager

• previously known as the Warming Centre
• provides coffee, shower, and overnight shelter
• accommodates up to 27 people on a first-come, first-served basis
• supported by Diversion team, Housing Stability Outreach and Housing Focused Outreach

• individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, mental health issues and / or addiction
• Mon-Sun, 24/7 support services

• supports approximately 40 people who are experiencing homelessness
• Stepping Stone works in collaboration with community organizations to deliver mental health, addiction, and medical support to individuals staying at the shelter
• focus is to provide access to food, showers, nursing, harm reduction, and court support
• individuals have their own rooms, common space, etc.
• support team (shelter support and housing stability staff), on site 24/7 to support residents and help them achieve their housing goals

• supports a caseload of individuals and families who have completed the common assessment tools
• a recovery-oriented approach to ending homelessness
• quick movement from homelessness into independent and permanent housing
• provide additional supports and services as needed

• Households may apply for emergency assistance from this fund once (subject to change).
• Assists applicants in completing the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) application.

• Households may apply for emergency assistance from this fund once per year.

• caseworkers work closely with participants to develop individualized action plans that address unique needs
• participants guided through each stage and encouraged to stay on track
• employment benefits to assist clients in finding and starting a job

• basic educational upgrading
• English as a second language training
• job specific skills training
• job search assistance (resumé writing, interview preparation)
• access to volunteer and employment placements

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) - for young parents, ages 16-25 years
• Self-Employment - training and supports to operate a business; delivered in partnership with Business Centre Guelph-Wellington
• Life Skills Case Management - intensive support for those who are experiencing issues related to addictions or mental health
• services for empoyers

• bi-monthly food hampers ; bread, baked goods and produce
• clothing, personal care items ; small household items
• baby items
• utility support ; transportation
• prescriptions ; glasses
• emergency accommodations ; mattresses
• referrals
• Christmas Hampers
• backpacks/School Supplies ; summer camp