Housing Stability Financial Assistance (HSFA)
HSFA is the local emergency rent-help fund for St. Thomas-Elgin. It gives a one-time payment to low-income households to prevent or end homelessness when no other help is available. It can cover rent you owe, first and/or last month's rent, utility bills you owe, a short motel stay between homes, and other urgent moving costs.
What you get
Emergency rent money
Who it's for
Households that are homeless or about to become homeless, who live in St.
This takes you to the official website
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Any rent arrears notice or eviction notice
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
What to say when you call
“Hi, I need help paying my rent and I may be behind. Can you tell me what emergency rent help is open, what documents I need, and the fastest way to apply?”
If no one answers, leave your name and number slowly, then try 211 while you wait.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- Households that are homeless or about to become homeless, who live in St
- For rent owed you need an N4 notice (or Co-op Schedule)
- For utility bills the bill must be in your name and you need a disconnect notice
What to do next
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The fine print
More details about the money
One-time help based on need: up to $1,250 for a single person and up to $2,500 for a household with more than one person.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
Households that are homeless or about to become homeless, who live in St. Thomas-Elgin, meet Canadian residency rules, are new to HSFA (exceptions need supervisor approval), and whose yearly income is at or below the limits set each year by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: $38,500 (bachelor), $50,500 (1-bedroom), $61,000 (2-bedroom), $68,000 (3-bedroom), $83,500 (4-bedroom). For rent owed you need an N4 notice (or Co-op Schedule). For utility bills the bill must be in your name and you need a disconnect notice.
Good to know
Every figure (amounts $1,250/$2,500; income limits $38,500/$50,500/$61,000/$68,000/$83,500; eligible costs; N4/Co-op Schedule and utility-disconnect requirements; contact 519-631-9350 / 1-800-265-4362 / inforsocialservices@stthomas.ca; 230 Talbot St.) read directly from the official HSFA Fact Sheet PDF (Updated March 2025) page images. Income limits are MMAH figures updated yearly, so re-verify the current year's table before quoting.
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