Housing Stability Program

    The Housing Stability Program (HSP) assists low-income households who are at risk of homelessness or are currently homeless to secure housing or to help prevent eviction. North House staff will help you navigate this process.

    Effective April 1, 2024, the Housing Stability Program will be operated by and processed through the Region of Durham Income Employment and Homelessness Services Division. To apply use their convenient online application form.

    Eligibility

    HSP is intended to assist households who are normally able to pay their expenses, but due to unforeseen circumstances are unable to meet their costs for a short period of time or must move to secure more affordable accommodations.

    You must provide proof that all family members are legal Canadian residents and that you have lived in Durham Region for at least three months.

    Your housing must be affordable (spending less than 90% of your gross household income towards accommodation costs). You will need to include all income and asset sources in your application (e.g., employment, social assistance, child tax benefits, child support, insurance payments, employment disability benefits, other government incomes such a WSIB, CPP, OAS, etc.)

    All documentation has been provided (please refer to checklist below)

    You may only access HSP assistance once in a 3-year period (36 months) for the application you have been approved for. Which means, if you have been approved for Last Month’s Rent, you are still eligible to receive Rental Arrears, Moving Cost, and Utility Arrears.

    Transitional housing, group homes, retirement homes, long term care homes, etc. will not be accepted. Shared accommodations are eligible with confirmation from the property owner.

    Your net household income must meet the low-income measure program limits:
    • 1 person - annual net income less than $28,863
    • 2 persons - annual net income less than $40,818
    • 3 persons - annual net income less than $49,992
    • 4 persons - annual net income less than $57,726

    You must be able to demonstrate that you do not have an ability to pay using your current income or assets. Primary residence and one primary vehicle are exempt from this process. Additional vehicles or residences are considered an asset.

    Applications will be processed in three to five business days after all required forms and proof have been received.

    HSP Checklist

    Required Documents for All Applications

    Member ID for ODSP or OW

    Verification of Status in Canada such as a birth certification or immigration documentation for all household members

    Proof of current gross combined income for all members of the household (i.e. two most recent paystubs, or a letter from your worker confirming amount of assistance.) (OW/ODSP clients do not need to provide proof of income)

    Copy of one piece of government issued ID for all household members

    Proof of the value of all declared assets including the most recent 60-day (2 month) bank statement from all household members

    Completed Housing Stability application with signatures of applicant and if applicable, co-applicant(s)

    If you are applying for rental arrears, please also provide:

    Proof of current rental arrears in the form of an N4, C4 or L1 from the landlord or property management company, and/or any Landlord and Tenant Board documents received to date, including any orders.

    • Proof of current rental arrears in the form of an N4, C4 or L1 from the landlord or property management company, and/or any Landlord and Tenant Board documents received to date, including any orders.
    Please note that your application for rental arrears may not be approved if the sheriff has already been called for removal from the unit.
    If applying for utility/energy arrears, please also provide:

    Proof that rent or mortgage is in good standing and paid up to date (If you are also applying for rent arrears this portion does not apply to you).

    Copy of the utility/energy bill showing arrears and if applicable, any disconnect notices.

    If you are a homeowner, please provide proof of mortgage outstanding on the property. You will need to provide a Municipal Property Taxes Assessment (MPAC) in order for our office to determine assets for the household. This can be obtained by calling MPAC at 1 866 296-6722.

    • Proof that rent or mortgage is in good standing and paid up to date (If you are also applying for rent arrears this portion does not apply to you).
    • If you are a homeowner, please provide proof of mortgage outstanding on the property. You will need to provide a Municipal Property Taxes Assessment (MPAC) in order for our office to determine assets for the household. This can be obtained by calling MPAC at 1 866 296-6722.
    • Copy of the utility/energy bill showing arrears and if applicable, any disconnect notices.
    If applying for last month’s rent deposit, please also provide:

    Intent to Rent form completed by the landlord, or a copy of the Ontario Standard Lease

    • Intent to Rent form completed by the landlord, or a copy of the Ontario Standard Lease
    Please note that your application for last month’s rent will not be approved if:

    You paid last month’s rent at your current address

    You have already paid last month’s rent deposit or moved in/obtained the keys to the new unit (Please allow sufficient time for your application to be reviewed)

    • You paid last month’s rent at your current address.
    • You have already paid last month’s rent deposit or moved in/obtained the keys to the new unit (Please allow sufficient time for your application to be reviewed).
    If applying for Moving Costs, please also provide:

    Intent to Rent form completed by the Landlord, or copy of the Ontario Standard Lease. Please be sure to include the reason for your move.

    Estimates/quotes for moving costs from a company (i.e. truck rental) or receipts from moving costs

    • Intent to Rent form completed by the Landlord, or copy of the Ontario Standard Lease. Please be sure to include the reason for your move.