Springwater, ON, L9X 1N6
Access centre to apply for LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) emergency financial assistance
- program runs from January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 or until funds are depleted
- grant is credited directly toward energy bill
- agency can arrange hold on a disconnection notice while a case is being assessed
- length of hold depends on utility company
- all decisions can be appealed
- Assistance through LEAP program is no longer limited to being received only once in a calendar year, but maximum amounts have changed
- Gas customers can receive up to $500 on past due balance
- Customers who heat with electricity can receive up to $600 on past due balance
- Eligible customers can apply more than once up to the maximum grant amounts
Effective March 1 2024
- Gas Customers can receive up to $650 towards their past due gas arrears
- Customers who heat with electricity can receive up to $780 towards their electricity arrears
- Income thresholds have increased, please call to find out if you are eligible
- No eligible leap applicant will be denied a leap grant due to lack of funding
- Gas Customers can receive up to $650 towards their past due gas arrears
- provides a monthly credit to eligible customers based on household income and household size
- credits will be applied directly to eligible customers' electricity bills
- an applicant may qualify for both this program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
Guelph, ON, N1E 5R1
- 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
Guelph, ON, N1H 4E9
EEP: assistance with heat or hydro arrears and reconnection costs, or minimum fuel fill (oil or propane). Payments made directly to energy providers.
- Households may apply for emergency assistance from this fund once (subject to change).
- Assists applicants in completing the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) application.
LEAP-E: assistance with hydro arrears and reconnection costs for Guelph Hydro customers. Payments made directly to Guelph Hydro (now Alectra Utilities)
- Households may apply for emergency assistance from this fund once per year.
Guelph, ON, N1H 4E9
- 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
Guelph, ON, N1H 4G9
- 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
Guelph, ON, N1H 4G9
- 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
Guelph, ON, N1H 4G9
- 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
Halton Hills, ON, L7J 2H4
Community support programs:
- information and referral regarding health and social service agencies, government resources, etc.
- assistance and advocacy for individuals and families experiencing difficulties, especially those who have no other place to go or those who are unable to access services without assistance
- Needs Coordination Program matches those in need of household items with those who can provide them such as food, household items, toiletries, etc.
- Food for Life Program: free, fresh and nutritious food available weekly for those in need
- Community Fridge and Food Pantry: bulk fresh food and non-perishable food items * Mon-Fri 9:30am-3pm * bring own bags
- agency accessibility provides office space and an answering service to agencies like counselling agencies - family, teen, addiction, legal, financial
- transitional housing is available for families who are homeless * families can stay for a period of two months
- Holiday Hampers Program * provides hampers of children's clothing and toys for families who are experiencing financial difficulties in Halton Hills
- one-time financial assistance for eligible low income people who are at risk of going into arrears on their gas bill
Backpack Program:
- provides backpacks with school supplies for lower income families in Halton Hills
Services for older adults:
- Meals on Wheels, Meals on Ice, Wheels to Meals, congregate dining
- home maintenance and repair
- telephone assurance * call older adults regularly to provide a safety check and social contact
- friendly visiting
- letter carriers alert * provides reassurance and a check on the well-being of those living alone who receive mail delivery to their door * a joint effort between Acton postal workers and Links2Care
- client intervention and assistance * provides support for older adults and adults with disabilities who may be at risk due to a critical change in their life situation such as an upcoming eviction, facing homelessness, loss of financial income, or experiencing difficulties within their home setting such as abuse and isolation * contact Seniors Coordinator, (mobile) 905-699-2010 or (office) 905-844-0252
- Connection in Action Halton Initiative * focusing on helping adults aged 55 and older who are at risk of or currently experiencing social isolation
- supportive housing program * provides essential supports for daily living services to eligible older adults living at Lakeview Villa, 17 Elizabeth Dr, Acton * services may include bathing, dressing, medication reminders, light housekeeping and laundry * contact Marianne, Seniors Coordinator, Supportive Housing at 519-853-9916
Youth programs:
Off the Wall - Acton
Open Door - Georgetown
Children's programs:
Ontario Early Years- Acton Satellite
Ontario Early Years - Georgetown Satellite
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
Volunteers prepare income tax and benefit returns for eligible Halton Hills residents who have a modest income and a simple tax situation
Care In The Community - Community Volunteer Income Tax Program - Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) trained volunteers to complete income tax and benefit returns for eligible individuals for free * total family income for 1 person should be less than $35,000 and $45,000 for 2 persons * tax situation must be simple and is not for a deceased person
Care In The Community - Shop Assist - Assists isolated Halton Hills residents who are unable to shop independently and who have no family/friend supports available, with pick-up and delivery of groceries * clients phone in bi-weekly on Mon between 9am-2pm to place their order with their debit or credit card for payment * groceries are delivered by volunteers and staff will inform client of the date and time of their delivery
Services and Programs:
- Supportive Housing
Gas bills
LEAP Emergency Financial Assistance
- provides up to $500 assistance with paying bills for low income households where there is danger of disconnection
- provide copy of bill, proof rent/mortgage is up to date, 2 months bank statements and ID for all in household
- you must call 1-855-487-5327 Simcoe Muskoka United Way - LEAP Program 8:30 am-4 pm to do intake
Hydro bills
LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program)
- provides year-round emergency financial assistance to low-income customers who have difficulty making electricity bill payments
- for Halton Hills the program is administered by Links2Care (Acton: 519-853-3310, Georgetown: 905-873-6502)
Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP):
- provides $35-$75 discount on energy bills for residents whose income falls below the Low Income Measure cutoff
- application information here
- crisis support
- youth outreach program
- assistance for families and individuals to maintain safe, affordable housing
- eviction prevention
- income tax completion
- life skills and budgeting assistance
- emergency Hydro Arrears (not all utilities) available for individuals who reside within Centre Wellington and Wellington North including CW Hydro, Wellington North Power, Westario and Hydro One.
- licensed child care centre for ages 18 months-4 yrs of age. Before and After school programs offered as well at various locations in Centre Wellington.
- EarlyON Child and Family Centre programs in Centre Wellington, Wellington North, Minto, Mapleton and East Wellington.
- information and referrals
- volunteer transportation program - central intake and referral for Wellington Transportation Services
- Assistance with food insecurity
- Assistance for families and individuals who are in need of phones or internet support.
- Intake agency for the OESP (Ontario Electricity Support Program) We will assist with applications for this program.
Cambridge, ON, N1R 6R1
Waterloo, ON, N2J 4G6
Waterloo, ON, N2J 4G6
Waterloo, ON, N2J 4G6
This listing describes the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) credit, and where to get emergency help to pay a utility bill
ONTARIO ELECTRICITY SUPPORT PROGRAM (OESP)
- Applies $35-$113 credit directly on each monthly hydro bill for those below the Low Income Measure cutoff
- to apply call 1-855-831-8151 (Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm) or see website here
- if you need help applying call Salvation Army, Milton Community and Family Services, 905-875-1022
EMERGENCY HELP TO PAY UTILITY BILLS
Housing Stability Fund (one-time assistance for gas or hydro bills)
- contact Halton Region at 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here
LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LEAP)
Provides emergency relief with financial grants of up to $1000 per calendar year for eligible low-income customers
- amount is applied directly to the outstanding balance
- for natural gas bills contact United Way Simcoe Muskoka, 1-855-487-5327
- for electricity/hydro bills contact Salvation Army, Milton Community and Family Services, 905-875-1022
Explains different housing types and how to apply, and directs to other housing-related listings in this directory
- for emergency shelters see separate listing here
NONPROFIT HOUSING
Housing operated to fill a social need, not as a business
- may be owned by government, nonprofits or charities, co-operatives, etc.
- some is subsidized (reserved for people with low income), some is 'market rent' (open to people of any income)
- some is reserved for seniors or people with disabilities (may have supportive services, like meals, personal support, etc.)
How to find and apply to nonprofit housing:
For complete list see Halton Region website here
Details for each listing show how to apply, but in general:
- for most market-rent units, apply directly to individual housing provider
- for most (but not all) subsidized units, apply through HATCH (at Halton Region 905-825-6000, or see separate HATCH listing here)
Halton Housing Help: contact at Halton Region 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here
- can help explain the housing system, how to search and apply
PRIVATE RENTAL MARKET
Housing that is privately owned, rented as a for-profit business
How to find private rental market housing:
Halton Housing Help: contact at Halton Region 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here
- provides free help and support to tenants to find and keep rental housing
- posts listings of available housing (see here)
Rental listings can also be found in local newspapers, and on websites such as gottarent, viewit, Kijiji, etc.
YOUTH HOUSING
Bridging the Gap: for youth, ages 16 to 24, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
- call 905-635-0663 or see full listing here
Community Youth Programs: offers residential placement for youth, ages 15 to 18, not able to live with family but not ready for independent living
- call 905-845-9718 or see full listing here
Support House: offers a full range of supportive housing options for youth ages 16 and up with mental health and/or substance use issues
- call toll free 1-833-845-9355 or see full listing here
HELP TO PAY DEPOSITS OR RENT
Halton Region Housing Stability Fund: one-time assistance with basic housing expenses to help people maintain their housing
- call Halton Region 905-825-6000 or see separate listing here
VETS Canada: for Canadian veterans who are in crisis, at risk of becoming homeless, or are homeless
- call toll free 1-888-228-3871 ext 121 or see separate listing here
HELP TO PAY UTILITIES
See separate listings for Gas & Hydro Bill Assistance here
PROPERTY TAX REBATES AND DEFERRALS
Property Tax Rebate (for lower-income seniors or people with disabilities)
- see separate listings for Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills or contact your local municipal government
Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program (for lower-income seniors)
- call Halton Region at 905-825-6000 or see full listing here
LEGAL HELP FOR HOUSING
Halton Community Legal Services: provides free legal assistance to those with low income, for housing and landlord/tenant issues
- call 905-875-2069 or see full listing here
Milton, ON, L9T 0H9
- helps low-income pet owners in Ontario by subsidizing the cost of non-elective veterinary care for their sick or injured pets such as surgery (including some dental surgery), hospitalization and diagnostics
- does not cover routine exams, vaccinations, food (including prescription diets), routine spays/neuters and general prophylactic dental care
Milton, ON, L9T 4Z9
A Christian organization which provides community programming and Christian teaching for both children and adults
Community and Family Services include:
- food bank
- spiritual needs
- subsidized Summer Day Camp
- youth programs
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), providing one time help with those struggling to pay their hydro arrears
- diaper voucher program (in partnership with MCRC Infant Food Bank)
- clothing and household voucher program
- Christmas assistance
- volunteers always welcome, contact office for more information
Acton: 519-853-3310
Oakville: 905-844-0252
Halton Hills, ON, L7G 4B5
Community support programs in Halton Hills:
- information and referral regarding health and social service agencies
- assistance and advocacy support to individuals and families experiencing difficulties, especially those who have no other place to go
- volunteers prepare income tax returns for people who have a modest income and a simple tax situation
- Help with Gas and Hydro Program offers funding to lower income families and individuals who are at risk of having their service disconnected, and have exhausted all other sources of financial aid
- Needs Coordination Program matches those in need of household items with those who can provide them such as food, household items, toiletries, etc.
- Food for Life Program: free, fresh and nutritious food available weekly for those in need * fresh food boxes of produce are also available monthly for pick up at a reasonable cost
- Community Fridge, Freezer and Food Pantry: bulk fresh food, frozen meat, and non-perishable food items * Mon-Fri 8am-4pm * bring own shopping bags
- transitional housing is available for families who are homeless * rent geared to income * community support coordinator provides family support
- Holiday Hampers provides hampers of children's clothing and toys for families experiencing financial difficulties
- Backpack Program provides school supplies to children in need * application available online (apply before August 12) * contact [email protected]
- Jumpstart Program (in partnership with Canadian Tire) provides financial help for kids' sports and recreational activities
Seniors Programs in Halton Hills:
- Meals on Wheels, Meals on Ice, Wheels to Meals, congregate dining
- letter Carriers alert * provides reassurance and a check on the well-being of those living alone who receive mail delivery to their door * in partnership with Georgetown and Acton postal workers
- supportive housing program provides essential support services to eligible seniors living at Lakeview Villa in Acton
Youth Programs:
- Off the Wall (Acton)
- Open Door (Georgetown)
- individual youth and family support available in person, by phone and over the internet
Children's Programs:
Links2Kids School Age Programs
Parenting Programs:
- individual parenting support
- parenting programs available through the Parent Child Resources Centres
Care At Home - Meals Programs - Hot and Frozen Meals - Program enables older adults and adults with a disability to have access to affordable meals in their home * meals include hot meals (Meals on Wheels), frozen meals (Meals on Ice), volunteers taking people to a local restaurant (Wheels to Meals), and Congregate Dining (designated seniors apartment buildings in Acton and georgetown)
Care In The Community - Care Connections of Halton Hills - A community hub of service agencies sharing space to offer easier access to integrated health and social services * Care Connection Partners include
Services and Programs:
- Care At Home - Meals Programs - Congregate Dining
- Links2Care - Acton - Wallace St
- Links2Care - Georgetown - James St
- Links2Care - Georgetown - Joseph Gibbons Public School
- Links2Care - Georgetown - Park Public School
Burlington, ON, L7M 3X6
An independent charity partnered with the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) to support their students and families in need throughout Halton
- raise funds to help HCDSB students overcome financial barriers to learning
- funds help cover the costs for basic necessities (such as food and clothing, school supplies, shoes, eyeglasses, personal hygiene items, and learning technology) and school activities with a fee (such as school trips, team fees, and other learning materials)
Also raise funds for the HCCF Graduate Award
- each school selects two graduating students who are entering post-secondary education (including the trades, certificate programs, college, or university), who excel in the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations and demonstrate a financial need to pursue post-secondary education
Burlington, ON, L7P 5A8
Helps to eliminate financial barriers to education for students in the Halton District School Board through partnerships with organizations, individuals, private and community foundations
Key focus areas are:
- emergency funding for students
- school engagement grants to fund initiatives and resources that support equity and inclusion, physical and mental health and wellbeing, and Indigenous awareness
- scholarships for graduating Halton District School Board students
Mississauga, ON, L5N 3W5
Domestic Services include:
Domestic Zakat Program
- emergency relief for families
- non-clinical counselling
- education on family and parenting issues for Muslim families
- family support including referral to other community services
- counselling, orientation and referral for potential foster parents
- financial support to families in need
- community engagement and social groups, various locations
- for students in grades 9-12 with university students as leaders * fee
International programs in the areas of relief and development
Mississauga, ON, L5N 2P1
- needs assessment
- referral to other agencies and government services
- help filling in government forms and applications
- Commissioner of Oaths, document translation and interpretation with service providers
- crisis support counselling
- Youth Achieving Employment Project (YAE) research project to develop an intervention for recent postsecondary graduates struggling to find employment
- Mississauga Cycles cycling mentorship and do-it-yourself Bike Hub
- New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) where seniors help seniors learn computer based social networking skills, digital photography, event management, report writing and also a social and physical exercise club
Enhanced Language Training (ELT) -- sector specific language training with job search workshops and a co-op placement
English Conversation Circles (ECC), and ESL Home Based Business Language Training
Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST Program)
- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
- trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development
- digital Literacy Training
- free seasonal income tax clinic
- mobile dental clinic
- Orientation to Ontario (O2O) webinars
Winter clothing items needed; to make a donation or for more information email Jagdeep Kailey: [email protected]
Burlington, ON, L7L 7G5
Programming includes:
- Personal Development Coaching
- Back to School Supplies
- Christmas Assistance
- Winter Coat Program
- Summer Camp
- Grief Support
- Cancer Support
Emergency services include: