Our Services

Housing Benefits

You may be eligible for benefits that will help with rent or housing related bills. Access to the programs listed below is subject to funding availability.

Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) Initiative

To be eligible for rent supports through the Investment in Affordable Housing Initiative, households must be on, or eligible to be on:

  • The community housing waitlist, or
  • Have a gross household income that falls below the Low Income Cut-Offs (LICO). Households currently living in subsidized units will not be eligible for this benefit.

Applicants must be in rental units that don’t exceed the average Market Rent for the area. Applicants must also be in rental units that are in an acceptable state of repair and self-contained. The subsidy is dependent on the current cost of rent and utilities. The maximum benefit that is available per unit is $300.

To Apply for IAH:

Contact your local KDSB Office. An appointment will be scheduled with an Integrated Social Services staff person to apply for this benefit.

2019 Low Income Cut-Offs
Size of Family Unit LICO- 12 Months + 15%
1 person $25,338 $29,139
2 persons $31,544 $36,276
3 persons $38,780 $44,597
4 persons $47,084 $54,147
5 persons $53,402 $61,412
6 persons $60,288 $69,331
7 persons $67,056 $77,114
More than 7 persons: for each additional person, add $6,828 $7,852

Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI)

The CHPI fund can help low-income residents:

  • Avoid eviction
  • Reduce the risk of homelessness
  • CHPI assists with utility payments and/or rent arrears.

To apply for CHPI:

Contact your local KDSB Office. An appointment will be scheduled with an Integrated Services Worker to apply for this benefit.

Am I eligible for CHPI?

To be eligible for CHPI, applicants must be a resident of the Kenora District and have a gross household income that falls below the Statistics Canada Low Income Cut-Offs (LICO) + 15% before tax (current dollars):

 

2019 Low Income Cut-Offs
Size of Family Unit LICO- 12 Months + 15%
1 person $25,338 $29,139
2 persons $31,544 $36,276
3 persons $38,780 $44,597
4 persons $47,084 $54,147
5 persons $53,402 $61,412
6 persons $60,288 $69,331
7 persons $67,056 $77,114
More than 7 persons: for each additional person, add $6,828 $7,852

What can be covered through CHPI?

Shelter

  • Tenants who have received an eviction notice. The fund can assist with rent arrears as long as the unit is not a subsidized unit.
  • Maximum available is the equivalent of two (2) months rent arrears
  • Arrears must be temporary and not chronic
  • Applicant receiving help will be able to pay future rent
  • Mortgage arrears up to 2 months with a maximum of $1,000

Utilities

  • Utility users who have received a disconnection notice and/or require funding for reconnection costs of any utility service (i.e. hydro, natural gas)
  • Arrears in water, sewer, and oil
  • Assistance with outstanding arrears will be provided on a one time basis
  • Utility company must agree to continue service upon payment of the arrears

Repairs

  • Emergency household repairs to a maximum of $750. These repairs need to be necessary in order to remain housed.

Other Items

  • Purchases for household items to a maximum of $750 required in an emergency situation such as fire, flood, and victims of violence
  • Moving expenses necessary for health and welfare of the person to leave the place of residence

All successful applicants will be requested to repay the funds over a reasonable period of time.

Home for Good

Home for Good can help people find stable housing. The program is aimed to help those that have been chronically homeless.

Home for Good can provide supports so people do not experience eviction from their home. Home for Good funding is provided on a case-by-case basis.

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

The OESP credit can reduce monthly electricity bills.  Some consumers may qualify for a higher credit level if they need to use more power. Examples include you use electricity to heat your home or have a medical device.

To apply for the OESP credit please visit: ontarioelectricitysupport.ca

If you need assistance, contact your local KDSB Office. An appointment will be scheduled with an Integrated Services Worker to apply for this benefit.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

If you are a customer of Synergy North, Sioux Lookout Hydro or Hydro One, you may be eligible for funding if you are:

  • In arrears, and
  • In threat of disconnection.

If you are a customer of Synergy North or Sioux Lookout Hydro:
Contact your local KDSB office to apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. 

If you are a customer of Hydro One:
United Way of Greater Simcoe County provides funding for those residents who are customers of Hydro One. Please call 1-855-487-5327 to apply.