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Every program, in one place
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31 programs
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
Housing Stability Bank (London)
This is a London rent bank run by the Salvation Army Centre of Hope.
Monthly money toward your rent
Community Housing / Rent-Geared-to-Income (London & Middlesex – Housing Access Centre)
This is subsidized housing in London and Middlesex County where your rent is set at about 30% of your income.
Money paid to you
Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (London & Middlesex referral)
This gives you money each month to help pay rent in a private place in London or Middlesex.
Emergency rent money
Housing Stability Financial Assistance (HSFA) – St. Thomas & Elgin County
This is a one-time emergency fund in 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.
Monthly money toward your rent
Lambton County Housing Services – Social Housing & Housing Allowance
Lambton County runs subsidized housing for Sarnia and Lambton County.
Monthly money toward your rent
Oxford County Community Housing (Rent-Geared-to-Income & Affordable Rental)
Oxford County runs subsidized housing for Ingersoll, Woodstock, Tillsonburg, and nearby townships.
Up to $15,000
Oxford County My Second Unit (Secondary Dwelling Forgivable Loan)
An Oxford County program offering homeowners an interest-free, forgivable loan of up to $15,000 to help plan and finance a secondary, self-contained dwelling unit in their home (e.g.
Up to $780
LEAP / Winter Warmth Utility Assistance (Oxford County area)
This is emergency help with utility bills in the Oxford County area.
Monthly money toward your rent
Rent Supplement Program (Service-Manager Landlord Agreements)
A landlord signs an agreement with the local service manager (e.g.
Monthly money toward your rent
Commercial Rent Supplement Program for RGI Housing (Toronto)
Toronto partners with private market-rental landlords to secure units as rent-geared-to-income (RGI).
Funding for affordable housing
Development Charges Exemption for Affordable Residential Units (Ontario, Bill 23)
Under Ontario's Development Charges Act (amended by Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act), new residential units kept affordable for 25 years are exempt from municipal development charges.
Up to $3,245/year
Rental Housing Supply Program (Toronto)
Toronto's incentive program for new purpose-built rental housing.
Up to $45,000
Affordable Rental Housing Program (City of London - Dollars to Doors)
London's incentive that provides up to $45,000 per new affordable rental unit (as a loan) to offset construction costs, in exchange for keeping rents at 80% of CMHC average market rent for at least 25 years.
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.
Emergency rent money
Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (Windsor-Essex)
The City of Windsor offers one-time emergency rent help to keep you from being evicted by covering rent you owe or first and last month's rent.
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
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.
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.
Free local help
St. Leonard's Community Services - Project Home (London & Region)
Project Home helps people 16 and older in London who are homeless or have faced repeated homelessness find and keep housing.
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.
Up to $733/month
Depends on your household size and income
Ontario Works (OW) - Financial Assistance (Shelter Allowance)
Ontario Works gives you money each month if you are in financial need and willing to take part in job activities.
Up to $113/month
Depends on your household size and income
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
This puts a credit on your electricity bill each month if your household has a lower income, so you pay less.
Up to $780
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Emergency Financial Assistance
This is a one-time emergency grant if you are behind on your electricity or natural gas bill and could be cut off.
Grant money
Ontario Renovates
This gives you money, usually as a loan you may not have to repay, to fix up your home or make it more accessible.
Monthly money toward your rent
Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) - Rent Supplements / Housing Allowances
This is provincial money given to local Service Managers, who use it for rent help, housing allowances, and emergency money to prevent homelessness.
Also worth knowing: money back at tax time (1)
2 programs no longer taking applications (with where to go instead)
Monthly money toward your rent
Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program (SCRSP)
This was an older provincial program that lowered the rent for eligible households in private and non-profit housing.
Monthly money toward your rent
Portable Housing Benefit – Special Priority Policy (PHB-SPP)
This was an older rent benefit for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.