Housing Supports
Discretionary Benefits for Mattresses and Cribs
Thank you for contacting LIFE*SPIN. At this time 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). 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: https://london.ca/sites/default/files/2020-09/Application%20for%20Discretionary%20Benefits%20%28Non-Social%20Assistance%20Recipients%29.pdf
If you are requesting a crib you will require an estimate. The window for applications is between you third trimester-2 months’ post-partum.
If you are a recipient of ODSP or Ontario Works you will contact your worker directly. If you are not in receipt of social assistance you will need to fill out the application above.
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If you require other furniture or household items, please contact The Saint Vincent de Paul directly and 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
You may also look to our house and shelter resources page for other services https://www.lifespin.org/house-and-shelter
Thank you for reaching out ~ we are happy to help.
LIFE*SPIN’s Community Advocate, Nicole Davies is there to help. She can assist you to complete 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 at https://form.jotform.com/210975309222251
LIFE*SPIN Workshop, How to access Financial Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KOTyt-xyW4&t=31s
Other LIFE*SPIN workshops: https://www.lifespin.org/sign-up-forms
City of London Housing Program and Services
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
St. Vincent De Paul
List of Parishes
St. Vincent De Paul has 13 churches with varied assistance across London. Contact the secretary at any one of the thirteen 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 are in need of vouchers, please contact your parish for assistance.
Applications can be done, in person, at their location.
Tel: 519-438-7071
Email: info@ssvplondon.com
Student Housing Services
Housing Services at Western University and Fanshawe College provide off-campus housing listing 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.
Tel: 519-661-3787
Western University: Ontario Hall, Room 3C1, London, Ont. N6G 0N2
Fanshawe College: 1460 Oxford St. East, Room F2010, London, Ont. N5Y 5R2
Tel: 519-452-4282
Mission Services - Men’s Mission
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
LIFE*SPIN - Large Item Registry
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 donor to 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
Ontario Electricity Support Program
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 in-take agency
If you need assistance with your application, contact The Centre of Hope Stability Bank.
Tel: 855-831-8151
TTY: 1-800-855-1155
Canada Housing Benefit One-Time Top Up
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 required to have your 2021 taxes done, and account with Canada Revenue Agency and direct deposit and total rent paid in 2022 and Landlord information. You may be eligible for a 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 !
Centre of Hope - The Housing Stability Bank
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 8:30am-11:30am
Signup call 519-661-0343 or signup at front desk
Tel: 519-964-3663
Email: housing@centreofhope.ca
Ontario March of Dimes
920 Commissioners Rd. East, London, Ont. N5Z 3J1
March of Dimes Canada is a Home & Vehicle Modification Program that provides funding for basic home and/or vehicle modifications. Their missions 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
VHA Home Healthcare:
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.
https://www.vha.ca/services/extreme-cleaning/
https://www.vha.ca/services/clutter-hoarding-support/
To be eligible for the Extreme Cleaning or Hoarding program you need to be at risk of eviction and homelessness due to excessive clutter, unsanitary conditions, hoarding, fire risks and/or pest infestation issues. All referrals go directly through the City of London, Coordinated Access.
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 -4:30pm
Email: homelessprevention@london.ca
In Person: Citi Plaza, 355 Wellington Street, Suite 248 London ON, N6A 4L6