Kenora District Services Board - Dryden Office - Community Homelessness Prevention Program

Application

Contact your local Kenora District Services Board office to set up an appointment
Individuals currently receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability supports should speak with their Case Manager directly to discuss rent/utility arrears as this may be handled through a different program

Required documentation

Identification - Birth certificate or driver's licence
Income verification for all family members (i.e. last 2 pay stubs, EI slips, pension slips, support orders, rental income)
Asset information for all adult family members; last bank statement (all accounts), value of any investments
Utility, gas, oil, water bills; disconnect notice, plus last bill
Rent receipts or mortgage documentation, plus eviction notice
Estimates for household repairs
You may be required to provide verification of crisis situation

Eligibility / Target Population

Residents of the District of Kenora 18 years of age and older
Must be at or below Low Income Cut Off (LICO) + 15%
Landlords/utility companies must agree to continue the tenancy and/or continue the service upon payment of the arrears
Applicants must not be subject to any eviction proceedings for reasons other than rent arrears
Applicants must indicate their intention to remain in their current accommodation for at least a further twelve (12) month period
Successful applicants will be requested to repay the funds over a reasonable period of time

Shelter

Rental arrears as long as rental unit is not subsidized, to a maximum of two months' rent
Applicants must demonstrate that arrears are temporary and not chronic and that with assistance with clearing up the outstanding arrears, the applicant will be able to pay future rent
This fund does not provide last month's rent
Mortgage arrears are available up to 2 months with a maximum of $1,000

Utilities

Individuals who have received a disconnection notice and/or require funding for reconnection costs of any utility service including water, sewer, oil, and wood
In extenuating circumstances (flood, fire, victim of violence), utility and hydro deposits can be provided
Amount of the outstanding arrears will be provided on a one time basis

Repairs

Individuals whose dwellings require emergency repairs necessary in order to remain housed, to a maximum of $750
Repairs could be to fix pipes, furnace, washer, dryer, fridge and stove

Other Items

Individuals who have an emergency situation such as fire, flood and victims of violence who need to purchase necessary household items to a maximum of $750
Moving expenses if it is necessary for the health and welfare of the person to leave the previous place of residence

Fees

None

Languages

English

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible

Description of Services

Provides financial assistance with utility payments and/or rent arrears for low-income individuals and families and recipients of Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits

Assists individuals at risk of homelessness to remain housed

Types of expenses eligible for assistance may include:

Rent arrears
Utility arrears,
First and/or last month rent,
Utility deposit,
Moving expenses related to employment,
Health and safe living