Homelessness Prevention
Homelessness Prevention Services
Homelessness Prevention Program
DNSSAB’s HPP Program provides assistance to households experiencing homelessness and at-risk of homelessness by providing direct benefit support and Homelessness Prevention Navigator services.
Ontario Works & ODSP Recipients
If you are receiving assistance through Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, please contact your case manager who will assist you with your application.
Basic Eligibility Criteria for Financial Assistance
The applicant(s) must:
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Benefits for Consideration
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Various considerations will be used when determining eligibility for the items mentioned above. The referral source may be contacted directly for further details if needed.
If an application does not meet the eligibility criteria, the Homelessness Prevention Navigator will reach out to the applicant and Coordinated Access Nipissing Community Partners to acquire supports that meet the applicant’s needs. A letter of ineligibility will then be mailed to the applicant explaining the decision and providing them with the information necessary to appeal the decision. Appeal requests must be received within 30 days of a decision.
How to Apply
The DNSSAB Homelessness Prevention Navigators are an access point for Coordinated Access Nipissing and members of the CAN Team. Referrals are done through CAN agencies/members.
HPP Referral Form & Step-by-Step Process
Contact Information
District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board
Housing Services - Homelessness Prevention Navigators
200 McIntyre Street East,
North Bay, ON, P1B 8V6
Phone: 705-474-2151 Ext.45588 Email: DNSSAB.HPP@dnssab.ca
Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit
The Canada Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) program provides households with a portable housing benefit to assist with rental costs in the private housing market. The benefit is tied to the household and can be used to help pay rent anywhere in Ontario.
How does COHB help?
The COHB pays the difference between 30 percent of the household’s income and the average market rent in the area. For social assistance recipients, the COHB will pay the difference between the shelter allowance and the household’s rent and utility costs. The Province of Ontario administers the program and the benefit amount is reviewed annually.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants will be contacted by DNSSAB's Homelessness Prevention Navigators.
COHB applicants must reside permanently in Ontario and be on, or eligible to be on, the Centralized Waiting List for social housing.
Priority will be given to the following groups:
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Survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
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Indigenous persons
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Persons with disabilities requiring modified units
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Households on the Centralized Waiting List with the oldest application dates
COHB applicants must live permanently in Ontario and be on, or eligible to be on, the Centralized Waiting List for social housing.
To receive the COHB, applicants must agree to be removed from the Centralized Waiting List as required by Provincial program guidelines.
How to Apply
The application process is through the DNSSAB. For further information, please contact DNSSAB.HPP@DNSSAB.ca with the subject line: COHB.
DNSSAB's Homelessness Preventive Services and eligible referring Community Partners will be contacting eligible applicants from the following identified priority groups about COHB based on the availability of benefits:
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Persons experiencing homelessness
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Survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking
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Indigenous persons
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Persons with disabilities requiring modified units
Contacted applicants will require the following documents to submit an application
for COHB:
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Email Address
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Your complete current address or the one you plan to move to
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Rental costs
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Utility costs (if paid directly by the household)
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Mailing address
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Banking information (Banking information can be found on a cheque)
For each household income earner (who are not full-time students):
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Their Canada Revenue Agency 2022 (or 2021) Notice of Assessment
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Social Insurance Numbers
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Their email address
For recipients of social assistance:
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Shelter allowance amount
There is a limited number of benefits available.
If you have been contacted as an eligible applicant, you are encouraged to begin your application process as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you find yourself without a place to stay tonight, please reach out to a Coordinated Access Nipissing Access Point
The Homelessness Prevention Navigators will assess every situation for risk and determine eligibility at that time.
To allow the most impact for households at risk, the general expectation is that households will only be eligible for the funding once every two years, although the Homelessness Prevention Navigators will assess every situation for risk and determine eligibility at that time.
The maximum benefit is generally up to $1,200. During the pandemic, in response to the higher need and increased risk within the community, the benefit has been increased up to $2,000. The Homelessness Prevention Navigators will assess every situation for risk and determine eligibility at that time.
The Homelessness Prevention Navigators will work with you and other Coordinated Access Nipissing Community service providers to access any other available funding and put a plan into place to mitigate your risk of homelessness.
Please reach out to your case worker and they will review to assist with application to Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) program.
HPP is generally a one-time only form of assistance; however, if experiencing extenuating circumstances, please contact the Homelessness Prevention Navigators to discuss your situation and further assess your need for supports. HPP Program: 705-474-2151 ext. 45588 or dnssabhpp@dnssab.ca
Please contact COHB program directly to update your information with them at 1-888-544-5101
First and/or Last month’s rent
Mortgage or Property Tax Arrears
Rent or Utility Arrears
Beds/furnishings
Used Appliances
Moving Expenses
Heating-Wood, Oil, Propane
Emergency Home Repairs
Any low-income family or individual living in the Nipissing district. Contact the HPP program
HPP Program: 705-474-2151 ext. 45588 or dnssabhpp@dnssab.ca