Housing Support
United Way Simcoe Muskoka, in collaboration with local agencies, has launched the Home Relief Bank—a proactive solution to prevent homelessness for individuals and families residing in Simcoe County, the District of Muskoka, and Town of the Blue Mountains.
Housing statistics for Simcoe Muskoka:
• It is estimated that 883 individuals are experiencing homelessness across Simcoe Muskoka (County of Simcoe and Muskoka Community Foundation Vital Signs Report)
• Ontario’s mortgage delinquency rate was .15% in Q1 2024, up from .10% in 2023. (CMHC)
• Last year 37,690 households were evicted for non-payment of rent in Ontario; this is a 20% increase over the previous year. (Tribunals Ontario 2022-2023 Annual Report)
The Home Relief Bank supports lower income tenants or homeowners to stay in their homes when times get tough by providing access to interest free loans to cover up to two months rent or mortgage payments. These loans are designed for individuals paying rent or holding a mortgage, who find themselves temporarily unable to meet their housing payments due to unforeseen events such as, illness, relationship breakdown or emergency home repairs. Longer terms and small repayments allow people to improve their financial position and remain in their home. Repayments are directed back into the program to assist other people facing similar circumstances in the future.
To qualify you must:
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- Have income from employment, CPP/OAS, WSIB, or EI
- Be 16+ years of age
- Be a resident of Simcoe County or Town of the Blue Mountains
- Be experiencing a temporary or unexpected crisis and in rent or mortgage payment arrears
- Be in payment arrears and meet the following income thresholds:
- Income Breakdown (after tax):
- One Person: $38,000 or less
- Two People: $54,000 or less
- Three People: $65,000 or less
- Four or more People: $71,000 or less
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To see if you qualify call 211 Community Connections by dialing 2-1-1 on your phone.
