The Homeless Prevention Program provides portable rent supplements and support services to individuals in identified at-risk groups facing homelessness.
About the program
The Homeless Prevention Program is an initiative aimed at providing individuals in identified at-risk groups facing homelessness with portable rent supplements and support services to help them access rental housing in the private (non-subsidized) housing market.
The rent supplements and support services help recipients access rental housing in the private (non-subsidized) housing market and community-based services.
The Homeless Prevention Program operates, in many instances, as an enhancement to the existing Homeless Outreach Program / Indigenous Homeless Outreach Programs and targets individuals at transition points that put them at greater risk of homelessness.
Cost: None. Services are free.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible, you (or someone you know) are at immediate risk of homelessness. This includes:
- Youth transitioning out of foster care
- Women who have experienced violence or are at risk of violence
- Individuals leaving the correctional or hospital systems
- Individuals of Indigenous descent
Age
- Rent supplements are for eligible individuals aged 19 years and older
- Youth 18 or younger may be eligible, connect with an outreach worker for further information
Services
If you are eligible and approved, the rent supplement can assist with:
- Your rent
- Your damage deposit
- Costs that help you secure housing (for example, getting identification)
- Transportation to a housing opportunity
- Storage for your belongings as you wait to move into a new home
- Ensuring access to utilities (for example, heat and water)
- Moving expenses
- Home start-up items
You cannot use the rent supplement for:
- Rent, if you are already receiving a subsidy
- Expenses not related to housing or this Program
- Clinical health and treatment services
- Medical or clinical staff expenses
- Daycare expenses
Please contact an outreach worker for full details. An outreach worker will be able to determine what you are eligible for.
Who to contact
Contact a Homeless Prevention Program Service Provider or go to the nearest Emergency Shelter and ask to speak to staff.
Outreach staff will ask a few questions about your situation and income to determine your eligibility.
Note: Rental supplements are intended to be temporary.