Sarnia, Ontario

Emergency rent money

Inn of the Good Shepherd - Rent & Utility Assistance (Housing Stability)

The Inn of the Good Shepherd runs Lambton County's local rent and utility help (this is the closest thing to a rent bank in the area).

Monthly money for rent and basics

County of Lambton Ontario Works (Income & Emergency Assistance)

Ontario Works is run locally by the County of Lambton.

Monthly money toward your rent

County of Lambton Housing Services (Rent-Geared-to-Income / Social Housing)

The County of Lambton runs the housing-help office for Sarnia and all of Lambton County.

Up to $780

Inn of the Good Shepherd - LEAP (Energy Bill Emergency Help)

The Inn of the Good Shepherd is the official LEAP intake agency for Bluewater Power customers in the Sarnia area.

Free local help

Inn of the Good Shepherd - Emergency Shelter & Food Bank

The Good Shepherd's Lodge is a 30-bed emergency shelter for single men, women and families who have nowhere to stay in Lambton County.

Free local help

Community Legal Assistance Sarnia (CLAS) - Tenant / Housing Law

Community Legal Assistance Sarnia (CLAS) is the local free legal clinic, paid for by Legal Aid Ontario.

About $2,000

Depends on your household size and income

County of Lambton - Portable Housing Benefit

The Portable Housing Benefit is a monthly housing payment from the County of Lambton that follows you (it is not tied to one specific apartment).

Free local help

North Lambton Community Health Centre (Sarnia / West Lambton site) - Health & Housing Navigation

The North Lambton Community Health Centre provides health care and health programs, and has a Community Navigator / Housing Support service that can help lower-income people connect to housing, income and community supports.

Free local help

Aamjiwnaang First Nation - Housing Department

Aamjiwnaang First Nation (in Sarnia) runs its own Housing Department for band members.

Free local help

John Howard Society of Sarnia-Lambton - Supportive Housing / Intensive Case Management

The John Howard Society of Sarnia-Lambton runs a supportive housing and intensive case management program.

Free local help

Salvation Army Sarnia - Community and Family Services

The Salvation Army's Sarnia Community and Family Services office gives emergency food and money help toward rent, utilities, and dental or medical costs for people and families in need across Lambton County.

Monthly money toward your rent

Lambton County Housing Services – Social Housing & Housing Allowance

Lambton County runs subsidized housing for Sarnia and Lambton County.

Free local help

Inn of the Good Shepherd - Rent/Utility Support Program (Sarnia-Lambton)

The Inn of the Good Shepherd is a Sarnia-Lambton charity that helps you keep your home if you have an eviction notice or a utility shut-off notice.

Monthly money toward your rent

Special Priority Policy (SPP) — Priority Access to Social Housing for Survivors of Abuse and Trafficking

If you are leaving abuse or human trafficking, Ontario can move you to the TOP of the social-housing (rent-geared-to-income) waiting list.

Emergency rent money

Rent Bank Programs (Ontario, service-manager administered)

Rent banks across Ontario give emergency help, usually a no-interest loan or in some areas a grant, if you are behind on rent or need a deposit, so you do not get evicted.

Free local help

211 Ontario (housing information and referral)

211 is a free phone line and website that helps you find local help.

Free local help

Indwell - supportive and affordable housing

Indwell is a Christian charity that builds and runs affordable housing across southern and southwestern Ontario.

Up to $780

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) - Emergency Financial Assistance

LEAP gives you a one-time emergency grant if you are behind on your electricity or natural gas bill and could be cut off.

Free local help

Housing Help Centres (Ontario, service-manager funded)

Housing Help Centres are local non-profit offices that help you with housing problems for free.

Monthly money toward your rent

Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)

This gives you money each month, paid right to you, to help pay rent in Ontario.

Up to $1,408/month

Depends on your household size and income

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) - Income Support (Shelter Allowance + Basic Needs)

ODSP gives you money each month if you have a disability and are in financial need.

Up to $250/month

Depends on your household size and income

ODSP Special Diet Allowance

This adds extra money each month on top of your ODSP if you need a special diet for a medical reason.

Free local help

Crisis Shelter & Fleeing-Abuse Referral — Assaulted Women's Helpline + 211

If you need to leave an abusive situation right now, you can get help today.

Monthly money toward your rent

Canada Housing Benefit (federal-provincial/territorial, including the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit)

This is a rent help program paid right to you each month to make private rent more affordable if you have a low income.

Money paid to you

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB)

This is a tax-free payment four times a year that replaces the GST/HST credit starting July 2026.

Up to $1,409.72/month

Old Age Security Allowance (for 60-64 year olds)

This gives you a tax-free payment each month if you are 60 to 64, have a low income, and your partner gets the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

Money paid to you

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

This adds a tax-free payment each month on top of your Old Age Security pension if you are a low-income senior aged 65 or older.

Up to $666.41/month

Depends on your household size and income

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

This gives you a tax-free payment each month to help with the cost of raising kids under 18.