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Housing Retention Program

The Housing Retention Fund (HRF) is funded by the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) and aims to provide financial assistance to eligible residents of Simcoe County, including recipients of social assistance and low-income families who may be homeless or at risk of homelessness.

What Assistance is Available?

  • Singles or couples may be eligible for up to $1,500 within a 24-month period pending eligibility criteria is met
  • Families may be eligible for up to $3,500 within a 24-month period pending eligibility criteria is met
  • This program may be available to recipients of social assistance, as well as individuals and families with low-income (non-social application).
  • Assistance may cover:
    • First Month’s Rent (FMR) – issued only to ODSP recipients receiving basic needs.
    • Last Month’s Rent (LMR).
    • Rental or mortgage arrears.
    • Utility arrears.
    • Moving and/or storage costs.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a current resident of Simcoe County.
  • HRF does not reimburse expenses already paid.
  • For utility arrears:
  • For rental arrears:
    • An N4 notice is required.
  • If eligibility criteria are met:
    • Utilities/rental arrears assistance is only issued once per address.
  • Total housing costs must be sustainable compared to monthly income.
  • Storage expenses may be issued for applicants that are unhoused or in temporary accommodations

Important Notes

  • Once an application is submitted, a Caseworker will call to determine eligibility.
  • Funds are issued directly to third parties (e.g., landlord, moving company).

How to Apply

  • Call 705-722-3132 ext. 1833 to complete an application over the phone.
  • If you wish to have a third party complete the application on your behalf, consent is required.
  • For non-social assistance applications, additional information will be required after the phone application is completed to finalize your application.