Social Services

The Municipality of West Perth falls under social services provided by Perth County. The department helps those who need assistance with accessing income, housing, homelessness services, and childcare supports.

Community Safety and Well-being Plan

The Municipality of West Perth participates as a partner in the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. To find out more about this plan, please visit the CSWB Website.

Provides a roadmap for inclusive, connected, and coordinated safety and well-being planning
Ensures a proactive and integrated approach to addressing local crime and complex social issues on a sustainable basis
Identifies key priorities for safety and well-being planning locally
Supports and strengthens existing initiatives related to community safety and well-being
Addresses local service and systems gaps

Access digital plans here

Ontario Works

This division provides financial assistance through monthly support payments to help with the costs of living for those who qualify. Health benefits may also be available for for eligible clients and their families, as well as recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program. Ontario Works helps to facilitate access to employment assistance programs such as workshops, counselling, training and education which help recipients of the program to find and maintain employment.

Ontario Works provides income and employment supports to people in temporary financial need. If you qualify, Ontario Works can provide you with:

Financial assistance to help you cover the costs of your basic needs (e.g. food) and housing costs, and
Employment assistance to help you prepare for and find a job.

You may also be eligible for health benefits for yourself and your family, including drug and dental coverage.

Applying for Financial Assistance

Apply through the Province

To apply for Ontario Works; please visit the Social Assistance Digital Application (SADA) located at https://www.ontario.ca/page/social-assistance

If you are unable to complete your application online, please call the Provincial Intake and Benefits Administration Unit at 1-888-999-1142 or toll-free (TTY) at 1-855-955-6238.

Apply through the local office

If you are experiencing one of the following situations listed below, please contact the local office at 519-271-3773 x. 200 to begin your application. You will have to meet with a caseworker, either in-person or over the telephone, to finalize your application.

Are you currently experiencing homelessness, including couch surfing or facing eviction or utility disconnection within 7 days?
Do you have a medical emergency?
Have you received funds from OW or ODSP, in any municipality, in the past month?
Are you under 18 years of age?
Do you require a trustee?
Do you require an interpreter?
Are you calling to apply for Temporary Care Assistance?
Are you calling for a one-time request only because you are expecting another source of income to come into pay soon?

If none of these situations apply, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/social-assistance to apply for Ontario Works.

You will need information from a number of documents to complete an application. It's a good idea to get these documents together before you start. Here is a list of documents and information that will be required for your application:

Date of Birth
Social Insurance Number
Ontario Health Card Number
Address and Phone Number
Bank account information
Employment history
Housing information such as rent or mortgage information.
Assets (i.e. vehicles, retirement savings plans, life insurance or any investments).
Income from earnings and other sources (i.e. Canada Pension, Employment Insurance or other Federal benefits such as CRB, etc.)

Discretionary Benefits Program

The Discretionary Benefits Program offers eligible Perth County residents financial assistance to purchase essential health related and emergency items when all other resources are exhausted. All items require pre-approval by the Discretionary Benefits staff. You must be in receipt of Ontario Works Assistance or the Ontario Disability Support Program Assistance to qualify for the discretionary benefits program.

Please note: Not all health, basic items or need or services are covered by the Discretionary Benefits Program, even if it is supported with medical documentation. Financial assistance may also be subject to funding and frequency limits and may be based on the number of people in your family unit.

Discretionary Benefits applicants can request financial assistance with:

One-time health related items such as eye glasses, emergency dental treatment, prosthetics and health related supplies.
Non-health related items such as essential appliances, utility arrears (in order to avoid disconnection).
Costs associated with funerals, burials and cremations.

To apply for Discretionary Benefits:

Phone: 519-271-3773 ext. 200

Fax: 519-271-5038

Write to: Discretionary Benefits Program

City of Stratford Ontario Works Program

82 Erie Street, Stratford ON, N5A 2M4

In Person: First Floor 82 Erie Street, Stratford, ON

Housing Division

This division offers rent-geared-to-income and subsidized rental housing for eligible households (singles and families). The units are owned and managed by the City of Stratford (through the Perth and Stratford Housing Corporation), non-profits, co-operatives and private landlords.

In addition, the Housing Division manages the Centralized Waiting List for RGI housing, oversees a number of other rent support programs and a home ownership program, and is responsible for developing and implementing a Housing and Homelessness Plan for Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys.

Housing Stability Bank

The Housing Stability Bank (the program formerly known as CHPI) provides one-time housing-related financial support to help households experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness find and keep their housing. This includes assistance with:

Rental arrears
Energy arrears
Last month’s rent deposit
Tenant insurance
Moving costs/Furniture*
Home repairs

Eligibility is based on the household income limits listed below, which vary depending on the size of the household. Qualifying households can access each type of assistance once in a 12-month period.

Number of People	Annual Income
Single	$30,000
Two People	$32,500
Three People	$38,000
Four or more People	$42,500

*Moving Costs/Furniture are only available once every 24 months

Complete the Application Form

In person:

City Hall Annex Building
82 Erie Street, Stratford
First Floor Reception

Email: socialsrv@stratford.ca

Fax: 519-273-7191
Please call 519-271-3773 or 1-800-669-2948 for more information.

Rent Support Programs

Rent supports are government-funded payments (also called subsidies or benefits) that bridge the gap between what a household can afford to pay and what the actual cost of housing is. Depending on the program, type of payment, and source of funding, these payments can be used for both private market and community housing units.

Eligible households pay a portion of the rent according to an income formula and the landlord receives a supplement for the remainder of the rental cost. This subsidy is connected to the unit, meaning that when a household moves out, they are no longer eligible for the program.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must be on the centralized waiting list for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing which means they:

Meet required income limits
Are 16 years old or older
Have legal status in Canada (Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee claim)
Do not have an enforceable removal order
Do not owe arrears to any community housing provider
Have not been convicted of an offence under the Housing Services Act or Criminal Code as it relates to the receipt of RGI assistance
Do not own a property that is suitable for year-round occupancy

To apply

Households must apply through the centralized waiting list for RGI housing and check the ‘rent supplement’ option in the Housing Preferences section of the application form.

Apply for RGI housing through the Housing Access Centre

This subsidy or benefit is tied to the household and can be used to help pay rent anywhere in Ontario. When the household moves to a different unit, the benefit moves with them. The City of Stratford Social Services Department is responsible for the initial referral and intake, but the program is managed by Ontario’s Ministry of Finance.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be a resident of Ontario
Have legal status in Canada (Canadian Citizenship, permanent residency, refugee claim)
Be on the centralized waiting list for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing or be eligible to be on the list
Not be in receipt of RGI assistance or any other rent support
Consent to being removed from the centralized waiting list once the application is completed and approved

To apply:

Contact Social Services Department by calling 519-271-3773 ext. 200 (Toll free: 1-800-669-2948) or emailing socialsrv@stratford.ca

In the application process, City of Stratford staff will:

Assess households for initial eligibility
Review program requirements
Assist with completing the application form
Submit the application to the Ministry of Finance on behalf of the applicant

The Ministry of Finance will:

Approve household
Calculate the benefit amount
Maintain communication with the household ongoing

Affordable Homeownership

The Affordable Homeownership Loan Program provides qualified low to moderate income households with down payment assistance loans of up to 5% of the purchase price of a home.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be a current renter
Qualify for a mortgage
Be using the home as their principal residence
Have legal status in Canada
Be 18+ years old
Meet household income limits (HILS) as outlined in the Application Overview

Stay within the maximum purchase price of a house which is outlined in the Application Overview.

Review the Application Overview Instructions and Appendixes
Complete the Homeownership Application and Homeownership Bank Verification of Income and Assets
Submit to Social Services Department

In person:

City Hall Annex Building
82 Erie Street, Stratford
First Floor Reception

Mail:

City Hall Annex Building
82 Erie Street
Stratford, ON
N5A 2M4
Email: socialsrv@stratford.ca
Fax: 519-273-7191
Please call 519-271-3773 or 1-800-669-2948 for more information.

Applications can be submitted at any time and will be reviewed Applications will be reviewed, and qualification determined on an as submitted basis. Qualification for the program does not guarantee allocation of funding to the application. Preference will be given chronologically to complete and eligible applications.

Plans, Directives & Forms

The City of Stratford is also responsible for developing strategies, plans, and directives to improve housing outcomes for individuals and families in the Service Manager area.

The Housing & Homelessness Plan for Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys outlines the framework for delivering housing and homelessness services locally. Originally released in 2014, the Plan was updated in 2019 to make sure it continues to reflect local needs and aligns with the work being done at the provincial and federal levels.

HHP Vision

Everyone has the right to a home that is safe, suitable, and affordable, and to supports that help them keep their home.

HHP Strategic Objectives

Ending Homelessness: shifting resources and service provision from managing to ending homelessness, with a focus on chronic homelessness.
Creating Attainable Housing Options: increasing the range of housing options that is available, affordable, appropriate, and achievable to meet people’s needs, situations, and choice.
Sustaining Community Housing: ensuring the existing community housing stock is well maintained and continues to play a key role in the delivery of permanent geared-to-income housing locally.
Addressing a Diversity of Needs: providing a broad range of services and supports that reflect the unique, local landscape in an inclusive and culturally appropriate way, including advancing Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

HHP Annual Reports highlight the achievements and progress that have been made on the targets and goals of the Housing and Homelessness Plan.

The City of Stratford, in accordance with the Housing Services Act, 2011, has developed rules related to the delivery of rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing in Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys. These directives apply to all local community housing providers and outline the processes and policies related to how households access, and are referred and matched to, local RGI units.

Housing Services

The City of Stratford Social Services Department is the provincially designated Consolidated Municipal Service Manager (CMSM or ‘Service Manager’) responsible for administering social services in Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys. This includes programs and services to help residents access housing options that are affordable and meet their needs, situations, and choice.

Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Housing

RGI housing is a unit for which tenants pay no more than 30% of their household income on rent. Household income must be below Household Income Limits set by the province.

Apply for RGI housing through the Housing Access Centre

Homelessness

The Social Services Department is committed to ending homelessness. There are a number of programs, services, and supports available locally that are designed to respond to homelessness in the communities of Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys. These include short-term emergency accommodation, homelessness prevention programs, housing assistance, outreach supports, supported housing, and intensive case management services.

If you are experiencing homelessness, or are concerned about a person or family in need of help please call:

519-271-3773 ext. 200 (1-800-669-2948)

Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

519-272-2294 (1-888-829-7484)

After hours, weekends, and holidays

Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys are committed to ending homelessness locally. A number of programs and services are available in the community to support local households experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless with finding and keeping safe and appropriate housing.

The City of Stratford Social Services Department provides short-term emergency accommodation for individuals and families experiencing homelessness by utilizing local motels. For those who need it, additional housing-based supports can be provided during their stay.

The program is flexible and will offer accommodation throughout extreme weather conditions, regardless of the number of nights households have already used.

Access to this service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the numbers provided above.

The Housing Stability Bank provides financial assistance to eligible households experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in order to help them find and maintain their housing. This assistance includes funds for rent and energy arrears, last month’s rent deposit, tenant insurance, moving costs, home repairs, and furniture.

Learn about eligibility requirements and the application process.

The Social Services Outreach Worker Program works with community partners to support those who are experiencing homelessness, precariously housed, or facing potential eviction. This position is also part of a street outreach team that connects unsheltered individuals to appropriate services. It is part of the City of Stratford’s Social Services Department.

The City of Stratford delivers, or provides funds for, a range of housing options for local residents. This includes rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance, housing stability programs, rent support programs, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing.

Visit the Housing page to learn more about these programs.

Ending homelessness requires a change in the way services have traditionally been provided. People experiencing homelessness may need multiple supports from a broad range of organizations and sectors to find and keep housing. To make sure the right supports are provided at the right time, a community-wide coordinated response to homelessness – or a coordinated access system - is being developing for Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys. This is a standardized and coordinated process for assessing, prioritizing, matching, and referring households experiencing homelessness for housing and other services across all agencies and organizations in the community.

For more information on these services, please visit the City of Stratford Website.

Food Banks

The Salvation Army provides Food Bank services within West Perth. Services include permanent and mobile locations of the Food Bank. Provision of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food items to households accessing the foodbank services. Access to the Foodbank is not limited to but can include diapers, wipes and formula, as well as hygiene supplies, household products, and pet food.

Permanent Food Bank Locations

Mitchell
Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm
(appointment preferred)
mitchellcfs@salvationarmy.ca
Primary 519.703.4880
Alternate 519.271.2950

St. Marys
Tues and Thurs 9:30am-4:30pm
(appointment preferred)
st.marys@salvationarmy.ca
519.284.2760

Stratford
Mon and Wed 9:30-11:30am and 1:30-4:30pm
(appointment preferred)
stratfordcfs@salvationarmy.ca
519.271.2950

Mobile Food Bank - Fullarton

First Wednesday Morning
Thamesview United Church
10:00-11:30am
* Please call 519-271-2950 if you wish to receive services at mobile locations.

Children's Services

This division offers childcare subsidy for eligible families, as well Childcare Resource Consultant services for children with special needs who attend childcare programs anywhere in Perth County.

The Children's Services Division is the manager for childcare in Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County. In partnership with the community, the Children's Services Division promotes fair and equal access to high quality care for children, and support to their families and caregivers.

Children's services are planned, managed and provided in ways that promote early learning and development, and that respond to family needs and choices. We believe that integrated childcare planning ensures public value and benefit to all.

Perth County Child Care Registry

The Children's Services Division provides financial assistance for licensed child care and recreation program costs. Parents eligible for child care Fee Subsidy may include those who are actively employed or enrolled in school, have children with special needs, or who may be facing emergency situations.

To find out more about Child Care Fee subsidy, please call 519-271-3773 ext. 200 or 1-800-669-2948 ext. 200

You will be required to complete an application form, and meet with a member of our Children's Services Division staff to finalize your Fee Subsidy application.

The Children's Services Division supports families and early learning programs through the Children's Resource Consultant Program.

Resource Teachers are available to consult with staff and families about early learning supports and strategies for children with special needs. Funding is available for staff, training, and equipment or other learning resources for children with special needs.

If you have questions about how the Resource Consultants may assist you and your children, please call:

1(519) 271-3773 ext. 229 OR 1 (800) 669-2948 ext. 229

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EarlyON Centres and satellite locations are accessible and open various hours throughout the day, evening and weekends. A variety of program spaces are available for your family to use at your convenience. Drop in and structured programs are offered for children ages birth to six years as well as community resources and information sessions for parents and caregivers.

EarlyON programs will help you and your children create lasting relationships and connections within the community, provide your children with the opportunity to create and explore, and provide you with parenting support for your family’s health and well-being. For more information please click here.

Municipality of West Perth
160 Wellington Street
P.O. Box 609
Mitchell, ON N0K 1N0
Phone: 519-348-8429