Housing help near you
St. Thomas, Ontario
Local rent and housing help for St. Thomas and Elgin County.
10
local programs
14
Ontario-wide programs
11
federal programs
Average 1-bedroom rent nearby in London: $1,169/month (CMHC 2025) — all the more reason to check these programs.
If this is urgent, start here
If rent is due, you received a notice, or you feel unsafe, call before filling out long forms.
• I got an N4/N5 or eviction notice
• I cannot pay rent this month
• I am unsafe at home
Your local housing office
St. Thomas–Elgin Ontario Works / Social Services
One call can cover several programs at once. Say: "I need help paying my rent."
Help just for St. Thomas
Emergency rent money
Housing Stability Financial Assistance (HSFA)
HSFA is the local emergency rent-help fund for St.
Emergency rent money
Housing Stability Financial Assistance (HSFA) – St. Thomas & Elgin County
This is a one-time emergency fund in St.
Monthly money for rent and basics
St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works
Ontario Works is the local social assistance program run by St.
Free local help
The Inn (Inn Out of the Cold) St. Thomas-Elgin
The Inn is the emergency homeless shelter for St.
Free local help
Indwell - St. Thomas Supportive Housing
Indwell is a Christian charity that builds and runs affordable supportive housing, including in St.
Free local help
Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic
The Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic is the local Legal Aid Ontario clinic for St.
Free local help
Salvation Army St. Thomas - Community and Family Services
The Salvation Army St.
Free local help
YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin
YWCA St.
Monthly money toward your rent
St. Thomas-Elgin Social & Affordable Housing / Portable Housing Benefit
St.
Monthly money toward your rent
Social Housing / Portable Housing Benefit Application – St. Thomas & Elgin
This is subsidized housing and portable housing benefits in St.
Ontario-wide help you can use in St. Thomas
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.
Help from the federal government
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.
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