Rent Bank And Utility Bank
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), Rent and/or Utility Bank Programs is to assist individuals in maintaining their housing when faced with the possibility of eviction due to rental/mortgage/tax arrears or in maintaining their energy source(s) when faced with the possibility that their energy source(s) may be turned off due to arrears.
PROGRAM RULES
- Funds provided will be in the form of a Grant (Grant funding will be one time only for Rent Bank and one time per 12 month period for Utility Bank and HPP.)
- The maximum amount of the grant for Utility Bank and HPP is $750 per applicant/household.
- The maximum grant for each approved applicant under the Rent Bank shall not exceed two times the average market rent for the Service Manager set by the Ministry time to time.
ELIGIBILITY
- Families, Singles, Seniors and Special Need households are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be Canadian Citizens, Landed Immigrants or Refugee Claimants — proof is required.
- Rent Bank Applicants receiving social assistance (OW, ODSP) are eligible to apply. Cannot be in receipt of rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance.
- Utility Bank and HPP Applicants receiving social assistance (OW, ODSP) and/or subsidized housing (RGI assistance) are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be residents of the County of Frontenac or the City of Kingston.
- Your housing must be affordable, permanent, and habitable.
- You should be under the threat of eviction or of having your energy source(s) turned off — proof is required.
- All other financial resources, (savings or other funds, social services, and other community funding sources) must be exhausted.
- The following Household Income Limits will apply for all three programs:
|
Household Income Limits |
|
|---|---|
|
Family Size |
Income Limit |
|
1 Person |
$26,500 |
|
2 People |
$32,000 |
|
3 People |
$35,000 |
|
4 People |
$41,000 |
APPLICATION PROCESS
- All applicants must complete a written application form available from the Service Agencies listed on the back of this pamphlet and provide supporting information and documentation as required.
- All applicants must sign a Release of Information as part of the Application Form.
- Referrals from all local agencies will be considered.
- Applicants living in North, Central, and South Frontenac Townships will apply to the Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation for assistance.
- Applicants living within the Municipal boundaries of the City of Kingston and the Frontenac Islands will apply to the Salvation Army, Community and Family Services, City of Kingston Branch, for assistance.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Applicants must provide supporting documentation, including proof of citizenship, household composition, proof of income, and verification of the Applicant's relationship to the landlord (if applicable) and a copy of the eviction or threat of eviction notice and/or other applicable documentation to assist in the evaluation of the Applicant's eligibility for assistance.
Agency Staff will verify the information provided by the Applicant within two working days of all the information and supporting documentation being provided. Agency Staff may negotiate with Landlords and/or Utility Companies on behalf of the Applicant.
Where an application for assistance is declined, Applicants may request an Internal Review in writing within 10 business days of the decision being communicated to the Applicant.
All cheques and payments will be issued to the Landlord, the Utility Company, Financial Institution, City, or Township.
VERIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED
- Employment Statements (stubs)
- Ontario Works Statement (OW)
- Employment Insurance Statement (E.I.)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Old Age Security Pension
- Ontario Disability and Support Program Statement (ODSP)
- Any other Pension Statements or Sources of Income
- Federal/Provincial Child Tax Credit
- OSAP Information
- Child Support Payments
- Utility Bills (Electricity, Gas, Oil, Water/Sewer etc.)
- Rent Receipt or Mortgage Statement
- Property tax statement
- Eviction Notice
- Letter from City or Township
- Letter from Financial Institution
- Proof of Citizenship - i.e. Birth Certificate, SIN card, etc.
SERVICE AGENCY LOCATIONS
City of Kingston:
Salvation Army, Community and Family Services
342 Patrick Street
Kingston, ON
K7K 6R6
Phone: 613-548-4411
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Frontenac County:
Southern Frontenac Community & Family Services Corporation
4419 George Street, PO Box 43
Sydenham, ON
K0H 2T0
Phone: 613-376-6477
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
