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Other Programs and Services

​​​Assistance for Residents who are not on Social Assistance

Assistance is available to help low income and non social assistance recipients with expenses for the following health related items:

  • Eyeglasses
  • Dentures
  • Emergency Dental

Eligibility for this program is based on the person’s assets, income and shelter costs as well as the cost of the requested item(s).  Individuals who have these items covered through other benefit plans or agencies do not qualify for this program.

Dental benefits

Starting May 1, 2023 the County of Simcoe Ontario Works will no longer be printing paper dental cards. Adult recipients can go directly to their dental office where the provider will electronically determine eligibility for benefits. You will need to show the provider your identification for this service. Children will continue to access dental benefits through Healthy Smiles Ontario.

Domiciliary Care Facilities are privately owned residential facilities that provide shelter, food and supervision to vulnerable seniors and persons with special needs. The County of Simcoe funds beds in approved Domiciliary Care facilities within the County in order to cover the costs of shelter and personal needs for low-income individuals who cannot live on their own but do not qualify for long term care. Contracted domiciliary care providers are located throughout Simcoe County.​

​Assistance may be available to assist with the costs associated with the funeral and burial of social assistance recipients and low income individuals. In order to assist with these costs the person requesting the assistance must make the request prior to the funeral taking place.

Emergency shelters provide board, lodging and personal needs to homeless people on a short term and infrequent basis.  Persons in an emergency hostel may be eligible for money for basic needs, a drug card and other supports.  

For the location of Emergency Shelters within the County of Simcoe please see our Emergency Shelter Providers page.

​​​​​​​Housing Retention is a Program funded by the Homeless Prevention Program Prevention (HPP) that aims to prevent or end homelessness by improving access to adequate, suitable and affordable housing and homelessness services for people experiencing homelessness and for people at-risk of homelessness. Every circumstance is unique and is assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine the right combination of interventions/assistance to support success.

A combined maximum of $1500.00 for singles/​couples and $3500.00 for families in a 24-month period may be available for one or more of the interventions – First or Last Month’s Rent, Moving Expenses, Rental/Utility Arrears.

How to Apply

Individuals in receipt of Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support (ODSP), or Individuals or families that are low-income and not in receipt of Social Assistance can apply over the phone by contacting the Ontario Works office (705)-722-3132, extension 1833.​

​Persons who have ongoing disabilities that prevent them from seeking or maintaining employment may be eligible for Ontario Disability Support. If a person is in immediate need of financial assistance, they may wish to apply for Ontario Works Assistance first as it can take a period of time to be granted Ontario Disability Support. However, this is not mandatory. People who do not wish to apply for Ontario Works Assistance or who are in receipt of Canada Pension Disability Benefits can apply directly to the Ontario Disability Support Program.

​​​​Women and Children’s Crisis Centres are safe havens that are available to women and their children who are fleeing from abusive situations. Persons in a Women and Children’s Crisis Centre may be eligible for such things as money for personal needs, a drug card and other support services. The following list provides contact information for Women and Children’s Crisis Centres located within the County of Simcoe.

​​Name of Shelter ​City/Town ​Telephone Number
​Green Haven Shelter ​Orillia 705-325-0686
​ My Friend’s House ​Collingwood 705-444-2586
​ My Sister’s Place ​Alliston 705-435-9400
​ Rosewood Shelter ​Midland 705-526-4211
​ Women and Children’s Shelter ​Barrie 705-728-2544