Eviction Prevention

Make sure you have the following items ready and sorted before applying to the Housing Stability Programme:

1. N4 (Notice to End Tenancy for Non-Payment of Rent)
2. Outstanding arrears balance
3. Your landlord’s name and contact information
4. Proof of income

Requirements:

• Connect with your landlord to create a payment plan for your outstanding balance.
• Ensure current month's rent is paid before receiving HSP funds.

Make sure you have the following items ready and sorted before applying to the Housing Stability Programme:

1. Lease Agreement, which should include the following information:
   1. Household member names
   2. Rental address
   3. Rental cost and in utility information
   4. Landlord's name and contact information
2. Proof of income

Requirements:

• You are required to pay first month's rent*. 
• Rental costs must be affordable on a monthly basis based on current income. 

*First month rent assistance will be considered for ODSP recipients with no fixed address due to ODSP benefit payment schedule.

Make sure you have the following items ready and sorted before applying to the Housing Stability Programme:

1. Bills or statements with the following:
   1. Outstanding arrears balance
   2. Name, address, and account number
2. Proof of income

Next Steps:

1. Connect with your utility provider to create a payment plan for your outstanding balance.
2. Apply to LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) 
   1. Housing Stability can complete LEAP applications for Alectra customers and sub-metered hydro companies in Guelph.
   2. For all other utility companies, please visit the Ontario Energy Board website to locate the appropriate LEAP agency.

About Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

LEAP is funded through the Ontario Energy Board. The County is the lead agency for Guelph Hydro only. Eligibility criteria is set by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). The County receives an annual budget each year and once the funds have been depleted eligibility for other programs will be accessed. LEAP is intended to support Guelph Hydro customers with low and moderate income who have hydro arrears.

The Housing Set-Up Fund (HSF) can help with a maximum benefit every 24 months per household. HSF funds are accessed to assist with:

1. Tenant Insurance (where required as a part of the lease agreement)
2. Moving costs
3. Appliances (when not provided by the landlord)
4. Pest control and hoarding supports

HSF funds must be accessed as a last resort to provide housing stability, after you have exhausted all other alternatives.

• Residents living in Wellington County or the City of Guelph
• Those at risk, or currently experiencing homelessness
• Those willing to collaborate with Housing Stability Staff on actions to improve housing stability
• Those able to demonstrate the ability to maintain future shelter expenses

For more information about programme eligibility, contact 519.837.2670 x 3712.

Completed applications take approximately five business days to review and process if eligible.

All payments are made directly to vendors (eg. landlord, utility company, moving company).*

A pay-direct will be initiated for all Ontario Works and ODSP recipients after receiving financial assistance from HSP. 

*HSP does not approve reimbursements

Housing Stability Programme funds have a maximum benefit every 24 months per household. 

519-837-3620 or 1-800-265-7294

129 Wyndham St. N
Guelph, ON 

Apply for Ontario Works

519-822-7500 or 1-800-567-2953

1 Stone Rd. Guelph, ON

Ontario Disability Support Program    Apply for the Program

A monthly payment available to seniors aged 65 and older who meet eligibility requirements.  Visit the Government of Canada Website for more information on application and eligibility.

Service Canada Old Age Security

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides contributors and their families with partial replacement of earnings in the case of retirement, disability or death. Visit the Government of Canada Website for more information on application and eligibility.

Service Canada Canadian Pension Plan

• CRA Website
• Notice of Assessment
• Record of Employment
• Filing Taxes

The Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP) lowers electricity bills for lower-income households. The OESP provides a monthly credit to eligible customers based on household income and household size. The OESP credits are applied directly to eligible customers’ bills.

Apply to Ontario Electricity Support Program

Can't apply online? Call 519-837-2670 x 3712 In Guelph, or 519-843-7000 for Wellington County. If you have not filed taxes within the last two years you will need to contact an intake agency.

What will I need to apply?

1. Your electricity bill account number, service address, and account holder details.
2. The birthdates and names of all residents in your home.
3. Social Insurance Numbers or Temporary Tax Numbers for tax-filing household members.

How long does it take?

Applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process once all information is submitted along with signed consent. 

Eligible customers will receive on bill credits for 2 years.