5. Social Housing

5.1 Housing Connections

Starting June 1, 1998, the Toronto Social Housing Connection was set up to replace the former Housing Registration Centre. A more convenient application procedure is provided for those applying for lower-rent housing and senior housing by connecting all housing companies and community organizations in the city under one umbrella. Applicants need to complete a copy of application form. There is only one assessment for eligibility for application.

The agency has later changed its name to Housing Connections. The current address is:

176 Elm Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3M4
Phone number : (416) 981-6111 Fax number: (416) 981-6112
Website: http://www.housingconnections.ca/

General enquiries: ask@housingconnections.ca

Resource Centre hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Housing Connections is responsible for maintaining the centralized waiting list for rent-geared-to-income housing in Toronto.

Other than the above offices, there are many community organizations offering services to assist applicants.

5.2 Eligibility & procedures

1. Eligibility
1. 1 Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee applicant;
1. 2 Above the age of 16;
1. 3 Ontario resident;
1. 4 Properties, if any, should be sold within six months after moving into lower-rent housing.

2. Application procedures
Completed application forms should be returned to the Toronto Social Housing Connection and will be registered on the waiting list according to the dates of receiving the applications. The period of waiting could be quite long. When an application is soon to be processed, the applicant concerned will have to produce various kinds of identification documents to make sure that he/she is eligible for application.

Special consideration and treatment will be granted under special cases:
1. Applicants 16 or 17 years of age;
2. New immigrants residing in Canada for less than one year;
3. Homeless people;
4. Family members living away from the family because of accommodation problems;