Housing Supports
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355 Wellington Street (Citi Plaza), Second Floor, Suite 248 - Housing Access Centre
The City of London Housing team works hard to ensure Londoners have the information and resources they need to find and keep stable, affordable housing. They offer Ontario Housing Benefits, the Ontario Renovates Program, and Student Housing and Mediation Services.
Tel: 519-661-0861
Email: hac@london.ca
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St. Vincent De Paul has 13 churches with varied assistance across London. Contact the secretary at any of the 13 parishes listed to arrange a home visit from a volunteer to discuss your needs. They provide beds through discretionary assistance for the City of London.
In addition, they have 2 thrift stores that offer bargain prices on clothing, household items, small appliances, books, toys, and more. They also offer food, furniture, and clothing vouchers to those in need. Vouchers can be brought through the York Street thrift store to be filled. If you need vouchers, please contact your parish for assistance.
Applications can be done in person at their location.
Tel: 519-438-7071
Email: info@ssvplondon.com
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Housing Services at Western University and Fanshawe College provide off-campus housing listings and free mediation services to assist in the speedy resolution of problems which may arise between students and landlords, students and London residents, and/or students in the areas of housing and lifestyles.
Fanshawe College: 1460 Oxford St. East, Room F2010, London, Ont. N5Y 5R2
Tel: 519-661-3787
Western University: Ontario Hall, Room 3C1, London, Ont. N6G 0N2
Tel: 519-452-4282
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459 York St., London, Ont. N6B 1R3
The Men’s Mission branch of Mission Services of London is a 146-bed facility that serves men in need. It functions as an emergency hostel for men experiencing homelessness from age 16 and up (111 beds), as well as a residence for men who require longer-term care and support (35 Beds).
In addition to providing the traditional accommodation and meals, Men’s Mission offers rehabilitation counselling, a men’s clothing program, life skills programs, and chapel services.
Tel: 519-672-8500
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866 Dundas St., London, Ont. N5W 2Z7
If you need large items, call LIFE*SPIN to register your needs - you must be able to make arrangements to pick up the items. All items must go directly from the donor to the recipient. LIFE*SPIN takes items at their discretion.
The LIFE*SPIN Free Store has mainly clothing items but does at times carry small household items such as dishes, glasses, tablecloths, towels, and other smaller items.
Tel: 519-438-8676
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Mailing Address: PO Box 1540, Station B, Ottawa, Ont. K1P 0C7
The Ontario Electricity Support Program provides monthly on-bill credits for lower-income customers to help reduce their electricity bills. If you heat with electricity or use electronically-powered medical devices, you may receive higher credits.
There are 3 ways you can apply:
Mail-in OESP Application Form
Free intake agency
If you need assistance with your application, contact The Centre of Hope Stability Bank.
Tel: 855-831-8151
TTY: 1-800-855-1155
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One-time payment for low-income renters to assist with the cost of rent. You do not need to be receiving any other benefits in order to get this benefit. You are required to have your taxes done, and account with Canada Revenue Agency and direct deposit and total rent paid and Landlord information. You may be eligible for a tax-free, one-time payment of $500 if your income and rental amount qualify! Also, ODSP qualifies for this Top Up - so phone in to have an agent do the on-phone application for you = so much easier!
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281 Wellington St., London, Ont. N6B 2L4
The Housing Stability Support Bank offers financial assistance to low-income community members to obtain or retain their housing, and offers financial assistance to those at risk of homelessness to remain housed. They provide interest-free loans to assist with Rental Arrears, first month’s rent (ODSP recipients only), and/or last month’s rent. Occasionally, they offer short-term grant money to use instead of loans. However, they tend to be depleted very quickly.
They also assist with the completion of Ontario Electricity Support Program applications. Applications are completed by appointment only. Please contact The Housing Stability Bank for an appointment at one of the 9 locations throughout London.
For all unsheltered individuals: London Centre of Hope Shower Program Monday to Friday 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
To sign up, call 519-661-0343 or sign up at the front desk.
Tel: 519-964-3663
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920 Commissioners Rd. East, London, Ont. N5Z 3J1
March of Dimes Canada is a Home and Vehicle Modification Program that provides funding for basic home and/or vehicle modifications. Their mission is to maximize the independence, personal empowerment, and community participation of people with physical disabilities
Their programs are intended to assist permanent Ontario residents with a sustainable impairment expected to last one year or more with their disability management.
Tel: 519-642-3999
Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP) and Assistive Devices Program
291 King Street, 3rd Floor, London, Ont. N6B 1R8
Tel: 519-642-3700
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VHA provides extreme cleaning services in the City of London. All referrals go directly to the City of London, Coordinated Access. To make a referral for VHA's Extreme Cleaning program in London, please call 519-661-HOME (4663) or send an email London's Coordinated Access team for free assistance to clean out, de-clutter and discard items; Thoroughly clean all living spaces in unit including: walls, floors and cupboards, appliances and laundry; Prepare home for pest control (bedbug, roach) treatment if required; Help with weekly follow-up maintenance when appropriate. This program is funded by the City of London and is FREE for eligible clients.
Restored Home - Extreme Cleaning: Eligibility
Must be at risk of homelessness due to the condition of the home (verbal or written)
You must consent to receive services
You must be willing to let go of items
Safer Spaces - Hoarding Support: Eligibility
You must be over the age of 18 years old
You must be at risk of eviction and homelessness due to excessive clutter, unsanitary conditions, hoarding, fire risks and/or pest infestation issues. (verbal or written)
You must demonstrate a willingness to make changes and an ability to learn new skills
You must be willing to let go of items
You must consent to service
To Make a Referral Call, Email, or Visit Coordinated Access at:
Phone: 519-661-HOME (4663) or 1-833-932-2297 Monday to Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Email: homelessprevention@london.ca
In Person: Citi Plaza, 355 Wellington Street, Suite 248, London ON, N6A 4L6
Discretionary Benefits For Mattresses & Cribs
Mattresses
Our community advocate is taking clients and will respond to your request as soon as possible.
If you are looking for a new mattress or a crib, please contact Discretionary Benefits at the City of London: (519) 661-5910. Through the City, you will be eligible for a new mattress once every 5 years.
When you call Discretionary Benefits and request a mattress, you will be directed to St. Vincent De Paul, who will provide you with a new mattress, delivered.
If you would like to request a mattress from somewhere else, you will have to submit an estimate (Maximum $250 for a single, $289 /Double), and you will have to make sure the company accepts vouchers from Discretionary Benefits.
For non-social assistant recipients, you will have to fill out an application here: PDF Download: NON-SOCIAL ASSISTANCE RECIPIENT APPLICATION - DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS
Cribs
If you are requesting a crib, you will require an estimate. The window for applications is between the third trimester and 2 months post-partum.
If you are a recipient of ODSP or Ontario Works, contact your worker directly. If you are not in receipt of social assistance, you will need to fill out the application above.
Watch Our Workshop Recordings
VIDEO: How to access Financial Resources
We have several videos of our past workshops on several topics, from accessing financial assistance to low-income housing. Watch them on our Video Resources page or our YouTube channel. Take the opportunity to ask your questions when you sign up to attend our free monthly workshops.
Furniture & Household Items
If you require other furniture or household items, please contact The Saint Vincent de Paul directly. They will connect you to a parish who is responsible for vouchers: (519) 438-7071
The Mission Store may also provide household items: (519) 438-3056
Book An Appointment With Our Community Advocate
LIFE*SPIN’s Community Advocate, Nicole, is here to help.
She can assist you in completing applications for:
disability supports (ODSP, CPP-D, Assistive Devices)
financial supports (home modification grants, Disability Tax Credits, low-cost internet, pensions, seniors support and benefits)
subsidized and co-op housing, as well as a request for a property standards inspection
health benefits (prescriptions, dental, vision, special diet, pregnancy allowance)
and Discretionary benefits available through the City.
If you would like an appointment to speak with Nicole, please complete the Intake Form on our Community Advocate page.