Housing Services
The Housing and Property Services office is open to those requiring in-person services; however, virtual and electronic services continue to be in place. Please call the office at 519.482.8505 to make an appointment or for more information.
The County of Huron’s Social Housing Program provides a range of administrative, support and funding services to provide affordable housing options in the County of Huron.
Available programs allow seniors to stay in their home communities, offer affordable homes to low-income families and give disabled people independence in a safe and secure environment.
Centrally located south of Clinton, our services include:
- Answers to questions about Social Housing in the County of Huron
- Processing new applications for subsidized (rent-geared-to-income) housing within the county
- Determine eligibility for social housing according to the Housing Services Act, 2011
- Update applications for subsidized housing with required information changes
- Manage and maintain a Centralized Waiting List for Social Housing Providers within Huron County
Learn what the County of Huron is doing to address housing instability and homelessness in our community and what you can do to help: Be Part of the Solution.
Tenants
Homeowners
Landlords & Property Owners
Addressing Homelessness
Documents & Reports
Tenants
County View Seniors’ Apartments
In partnership with the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program, the County of Huron has built a new 31 unit apartment building for seniors called the County View Seniors’ Apartments.
This three storey 31 unit apartment building (19 one bedroom & 12 two bedroom units) is located just south of Clinton. Situated on 13 acres of well-manicured grounds, the site features:
- Quiet rural setting
- Fully landscaped site
- On-site tenant parking lot
- Solar domestic hot water preheat
- Paved pathways throughout the complex
Seniors applying for housing at this facility must be 60 years of age or older.
Each spacious 1 and 2 bedroom seniors’ apartment contains:
- Full-size top mount refrigerator and electric range
- Individually controlled hot water heating and air conditioning
- Dedicated power chair receptacles
Suite A – The 2022 monthly rental rate for 1 bedroom unit is $559.00 plus electricity.
Suite B – The 2022 monthly rental rate for 2 bedroom unit is $756.00 plus electricity.
Green energy initiatives throughout the building have been funded by a Renewable Energy Initiative program. Additional building features include:
- Controlled security access
- Coin operated common laundry facility
- Common lounge for use by all tenants
- Elevator access to all floors
- Occupant sensors to reduce lighting demand in vacant corridors
Applications are available here, by calling the Huron County Housing Services at 519.482.8505, ext. 4252, or at the Social Services office, located in the Jacob Memorial Building, 77722D London Road, Clinton.
Completed applications must be submitted to the Huron County Housing Services.
Non-Profit Housing
Non-profit and Co-operative housing units which provide rent-geared-to-income and market rent housing for families, singles or seniors are available from:
- Belmore Non-Profit Housing Corporation (Wroxeter)
- Huron Sands Non-Profit Homes Incorporated (Goderich)
- Vanastra Lions Club Apartments Incorporated (Clinton)
- Exandarea Meadows Housing Co-operative (Exeter)
- Second Stage Housing for Victims of Domestic Violence (Clinton, Goderich, Exeter)
Second Stage Housing
Women’s Shelter, Second Stage Housing and Counselling Services of Huron provides housing for women and children who are victims of family violence. Second Stage housing provides rent-geared-to-income apartments in a secure building for women, with or without children, for up to one year. Units include fridge and stove, 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms, and on-site laundry facilities are available.
Women who have identified themselves as survivors of abuse whether physical, emotional, sexual or verbal are eligible to apply. Applicants must be either self-referred, residents of a shelter for abused women, or referred by a professional in the community.
Applications are available at Second Stage Housing in Clinton, Exeter and Goderich, plus the Women’s Shelter of Huron located at 376 Huron Road in Goderich. An interview is required to assess the applicant’s needs and the ability to meet these needs; applications are then reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Upon acceptance to Second Stage Housing, women will be required to sign an occupancy contract.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting:
Huron Women’s Shelter
Telephone: 519.524.5333
Transition Support Worker or Children’s Community Social Worker
Telephone: 519.524.1620
Social Housing
There are several hundred rent-geared-to-income (RGI) apartments and houses located throughout the county. Huron County’s Housing Services provide housing to families, seniors, couples, single people and people with special needs in a variety of housing forms including townhouses, apartments as well as single and semi-detached dwellings.
Housing units vary in size from bachelor apartments to four bedroom houses. Some units are accessible for the physically disabled. Most of the housing is available on a rent-geared-to-income basis, however some projects offer market rent units.
The County of Huron owns and manages 415 rent-geared-to-income units through the Huron County Housing Corporation and has additional units available through Rent Supplement agreements with private landlords. The remaining rent-geared-to-income units are owned and managed by various Non-Profit and Co-operative groups.
Social Housing units are located in Bayfield, Blyth, Brussels, Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Seaforth, Wingham and Zurich.
You can apply for the following RGI rental units through the County of Huron’s Social Housing Department.
| Address | Town | Bachelor | One bedroom | Two bedrooms | Three bedrooms | Four bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Units | Clinton | 12 | ||||
| Family Units | Goderich | 35 | 24 | 3 | ||
| Family Units | Wingham | 4 | 6 | |||
| 9 Jane St. | Bayfield | 17 | ||||
| 299 Queen | Blyth | 24 | ||||
| 400 Alexander | Brussels | 34 | ||||
| 134 King | Clinton | 19 | ||||
| 135 James | Clinton | 18 | ||||
| 134 Sanders | Exeter | 32 | ||||
| 250 Picton | Goderich | 6 | 6 | |||
| 85 West | Goderich | 53 | 1 | |||
| 50 Market | Seaforth | 21 | ||||
| 34 John | Seaforth | 16 | ||||
| 45 Alfred | Wingham | 28 | ||||
| 50 Alfred | Wingham | 4 | 5 | |||
| 359 Edward | Wingham | 7 | 4 | |||
| 52 Bristol | Wingham | 16 | ||||
| 31 Main | Zurich | 20 |
Subsidized Housing
Subsidized housing, or rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance, is available for eligible households.
RGI assistance means the amount of rent you pay is determined by your income; rent amounts are based on paying approximately 30% of your gross (before taxes) monthly household income. For example, if your household members make $1500 a month combined, your basic subsidized rent might be about $500 with adjustments for utilities.
The amount of rent paid by Ontario Works/Ontario Disability Support Program recipients is determined by a scale provided by Ontario’s Ministry of Community and Social Services in accordance with the Housing Services Act, 2011.
To qualify for rent-geared-to-income assistance you must meet the following criteria:
- You or someone in your household must be 16 years old or older and capable of living independently
- Each member of the household must be a Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / or have made a claim for refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) and no removal orders have become enforceable against any member of the household
- You must not owe arrears for rent or damages to any social housing provider or have been found by the Rental Housing Tribunal or a court of law to have misrepresented income in relation to the receipt of rent geared-to-income assistance
- If you own a house, you must agree to put it up for sale upon offer to lease and sell within six months
Eligibility for rent-geared-to-income assistance varies from household to household, please contact County of Huron Housing Services to see if you qualify.
Applying for Subsidized Housing
To apply for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance you must complete an application form, or by contacting County of Huron Housing Services.
Upon verification of eligibility for rent-geared-to-income assistance, your application will be added to a Centralized Waiting List of social housing providers within the county in chronological order of receipt.
Offers of housing will be made keeping in mind the household’s preference for a particular site or area when the application reaches the top of the list.
Effective January 1, 2021 Applicants are entitled to ONE (1) housing offer. If the offer is refused, the file will be cancelled. Failure to respond to a housing offer shall be considered a refusal.
Applications to live in a County-owned, rent-geared-to-income, rent supplement unit, or units owned by the following provider groups: Belmore, Huron Sands, Vanastra and Exandarea Meadows, must be made through the Huron County Housing Services office.
Verification Requirements
In order to process your application prior to lease signing, you will be required to supply copies of the following documents:
- Verification of income for all household members
- Verification of assets for all household members
- Note: this includes a copy of all bankbook(s) and/or statement(s) for all
household members, statements from all investments (i.e. RRSP, RIF,
GIC, annuities, etc.), life insurance documentation verifying the cash
surrender value of your policy, and verification of any transfer of assets
from the past 3 years
- Note: this includes a copy of all bankbook(s) and/or statement(s) for all
- Income Tax Notice of Assessment (received back from Revenue Canada from previous year) for all household members. You may request a copy of your assessment from Revenue Canada by calling 1.800.959.8281
- School verification for all dependents 16 years of age and older may be requested
- Family units must provide verification that utilities, in their name, have been connected
- Copies of all support/custody agreements
Your lease agreement cannot be processed without all of the above documentation.
Where to Apply
The application has been made available below, or applications can be picked up at any of the following sites:
Huron County Housing Corporation
77722D London Road
Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0
Tel: 519.482.8505
Belmore Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Box 122, RR 1
Wroxeter, Ontario N0G 2X0
Tel: 519.392.8117
Huron Sands Non-Profit Homes Incorporated
Unit 35-80 Balvina Drive
Goderich, Ontario N7A 4L8
Tel: 519.524.5763
Fax: 519.524.5767
Vanastra Lions Club Apartments Incorporated
198-12th Street, RR 5
Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0
Tel: 519.482.7826
Fax: 519.482.7856
Exandarea Meadows Housing Co-operative
1-51 Church Street
Exeter, Ontario N0M 1S2
Tel: 519.235.3382
Application for Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing
* All completed applications must be submitted to the Huron County Housing Corporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for rent-geared-to-income housing?
An application form must be completed to apply for housing. Copies are available online or by contacting Huron County Housing Services. Upon verification of eligibility, your application will be added to our central waiting list.
How soon will I know if I am on the waiting list?
When your application is received, it will be reviewed to be sure that all required information is included. You will be notified in writing within seven business days as to whether you are eligible for geared-to-income assistance, or if additional information is needed for your application. If you are eligible, you will be told you are placed on the waiting lists for the locations you selected, and the number of bedrooms your household qualifies for.s.
What happens while I’m waiting for Housing?
It is important that you keep your application up to date in order to stay on the centralized waiting list and maintain your eligibility status. You must report any changes to the information you previously submitted within 15 business days of the change taking place or your application can be cancelled and your name removed from the waiting list.
Can I refuse to accept a unit?
You can refuse to move into housing offered by Housing Services however, if one reasonable offers is refused, the household will be removed from the waiting list.
If I own my own home, do I still qualify?
If you own, or have a legal interest in a residential property that can be lived in year-round, you will be required to sell your interest in the property within six months after you have moved into geared-to-income assisted housing.
Homeowners
Ontario Renovates
The Ontario Renovates Program is designed to improve the living conditions of low to moderate income households in need. It offers financial assistance to complete home repair deficiencies, energy efficiency upgrades and accessibility upgrades for persons with disabilities.
This program will be administered through the Housing and Property Services Division and any necessary home inspections will be completed by a Certified Home Inspection provider.
The program provides assistance in the form of a grant for accessibility upgrades (under $5,000) or a forgivable loan for home repairs (to a maximum of $10,000).
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if your total household income is at or below $85,700 and you own a home in Huron County that is your sole and principal residence with an assessed value of $355,730 or less.
All property taxes and mortgage payments must be up to date and insurance coverage in place for the full assessed value of the home.
How much financial assistance can I receive?
- Funding for accessibility upgrades, up to a maximum of $5,000 is in the form of a grant, and does not require repayment.
- Forgivable loans to a maximum of $10,000 will be secured by a promissory note provided by the County of Huron. Maximum one time funding available is $10,000 per household.
What types of repairs can be done?
Eligible repairs under the Ontario Renovates Program may be in one or more of these areas:
- Heating systems including furnace replacement
- Chimneys
- Doors and windows
- Foundations
- Roofs, walls floors and ceilings
- Vents, louvers
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing, toilet replacement, water heaters
- Septic systems and well water, well drilling
Modifications to increase accessibility related to housing, and to the homeowner’s disability include, but are not limited to:
- Ramps
- Handrails
- Chair and bath lifts
- Height adjustments to counter-tops
- Cues for doorbells and/or fire alarms
How do I apply?
The application and support materials have been made available below.
Applications and additional information is also available by contacting Huron County Housing and Property Services at 519.482.8505 ext 4255, during regular business hours Monday thru Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Ontario Renovates – Program Guidelines
Ontario Renovates – Program Application
Homeownership Assistance
The Federal and Provincial governments are providing funding to make homeownership affordable for low and moderate-income renter households by providing down payment assistance in the form of a forgivable loan.
Eligible homes may be either a new build or a resale .
Funding will be provided to eligible households upon receipt of a fully executed Agreement of Purchase and Sale until all funding is depleted for the County.
The Agreement of Purchase and Sale must be current with a closing date of at minimum 45 days from the date of submitting a completed application with all required supporting documentation. Please check with the Housing Programs Coordinator to determine the status of funding availability.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early as funds are very limited.
Huron County will be responsible for establishing a permanent revolving fund for the delivery of homeownership units.
Eligible Units
- Resale homes with the condition of a current home inspection
- New units, including conversions from non-residential use that qualify for Tarion’s New Home Warranty
- Units may be detached, semi-detached, town (condo and free-hold), stacked homes, row houses or apartments
- Homes must be modest in size as determined by the Province and the County of Huron
Homeownership Assistance Levels
The Homeownership assistance will be used as a down payment on the purchase of a new home. The amount of the assistance will be up to 10% of the cost of an eligible home to a maximum amount of $47,225 and will be provided at the time of closing of the purchase and sale of the home.
No interest will be charged on the assistance. Appropriate documentation will be in place to secure the down payment assistance on title.
Maximum Purchase Price
The purchaser’s housing costs must be at or below the average market-selling price for the area and must not exceed $472,253.
Household Eligibility
To be eligible for down payment assistance under the Homeownership Program, prospective purchasers must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Household income must not exceed $89,300
- Does not currently own a home or have an ownership interest in a home or business
- Personal assets, of the applicants for homeownership assistance, including any gifted amounts from friends or family, savings, RRSPs, etc., must not exceed $20,000.00
- Be a household currently renting in Huron County buying a sole and principal residence in Huron County
- 18 years of age or older
- Meet any additional criteria established and communicated by the County of Huron
Eligible applicants who meet all specified requirements and are qualified for mortgage at a recognized financial institution will be selected on a continuous basis until the funds are depleted.
Security Agreements
The County of Huron will register an appropriate security agreement (e.g. a mortgage) with the purchaser on title to provide a mechanism for the repayment of the down payment assistance and ten percent of the realized capital gains to the Homeownership Revolving Loan Fund, when ownership changes as a result of the sale of the house.
Conditions for Repayment by a Homeowner
The program has a 20 year affordability period. If a house that is purchased under this program is sold before the 20 year affordability period expires, the homeowner is required to repay the original contribution plus ten per cent of the realized capital gains. Contributions repaid to the County’s Homeownership Revolving Fund are to be redistributed under the Homeownership component in the County. If the home is sold after 20 years, there will not be a repayment of the contribution or capital gains to the revolving loan fund.
View the Homeownership Application Guidelines here.
View the Homeownership Application Form here.
For Further Information:
Contact the Housing Programs Coordinator at:
Huron County Housing Services Division
77722D London Road, R.R. #5
Clinton, ON N0M 1L0
519.482.8505 ext. 4255 or 1.888.371.5718
Landlords & Property Owners
Rent Supplement Program
The Rent Supplement Program offers private landlords the opportunity to play a role in the provision of social housing. This program offers eligible rent-geared-to-income (RGI) applicants accommodation. The tenant pays the rent based on his or her income and the landlord receives a supplement for the balance of the market rent. The landlord enters into a Rent Supplement agreement specifying that Housing Services will:
- Refer potential RGI tenants to the landlord
- Calculate the rent to be paid by the tenant to the landlord
- Pay the rent supplement to the landlord
The landlord also completes the lease agreement with the tenant and the standard relationship between the landlord and tenant applies.
Addressing Homelessness in Huron County
Huron Heart to Home
Huron Heart to Home is comprised of County of Huron staff who are focused on preventing and addressing homelessness in Huron County. These staff connect people to community, local organizations, and resources that can help a person access long term housing. Together with community partners, Huron Heart to Home manages the Out of the Cold emergency shelter, and are working on developing a Housing First strategy for Huron County that would reduce, or eliminate, the County’s dependency on costly emergency solutions in the future.
Learn more about what this means on Huron County Connects!
Be Part of the Solution
Learn what the County of Huron is doing to Be Part of the Solution in the drop down menus below.
Five ways you can join us to Be Part of the Solution to end homelessness:
1. Become informed and don’t spread false information.
There are many myths and falsehoods around the topic of homelessness and how people can become homeless. Learning more about homelessness and housing instability can help increase understanding around the complexity of the topic. Explore the resources found on this page and on www.HuronCountyConnects.ca/Heart-to-Home to learn more.
2. Speak up! Advocate for those experiencing homelessness, hurt and hunger in your community.
Sadly, people facing homelessness are often subject to various forms of discrimination. Poverty, physical and mental health, and substance use concerns are not reasons to deny a person’s fundamental right to housing without discrimination as protected under Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
If you hear inflammatory language or witness discriminatory actions, speak up! Advocate for those in the community who may be more vulnerable. If you’re unsure if a statement is valid or discriminatory, try taking the cringe test.
3. Welcome Supportive and Affordable Housing in your community.
There’s a term you may hear when affordable housing developments are being planned near you, it’s called ‘YIMBY’. Otherwise known as, Yes, In My Backyard!
To Be Part of the Solution it is essential to welcome developments like these in your own neighbourhood. It takes an entire community, including multiple levels of government, many stakeholders, neighbourhoods, and the public to create a welcoming atmosphere for housing that improves life for everyone in our community.
Read Huron is a Caring Community, to learn more about why supportive and affordable housing is good for your community.
4. Consider donating locally.
Use the drop down menus below to learn how you can support the Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home shelter. Consider donating to a local agency that’s meaningful to you and supports our community’s most vulnerable citizens.
5. Participate in local events that support vulnerable people.
Events like The Coldest Night of the Year are a great way to get involved. The Coldest Night of the Year is a fun, family-friendly fundraising walk that supports local non profit partners who provide essential care and service for people experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. Learn more: www.cnoy.org
Download the Be Part of the Solution Brochure
Be Part of the Solution Social Media Campaign
Click the images to download the file.
Report to the Community on Homelessness
Enumeration and By Name List
Data collection, including identifying who and how many individuals and families are experiencing homelessness in our community, enables Huron County social service staff to monitor progress and make informed decisions.
Cold Weather Emergency Shelter
The County of Huron has partnered with Choices for Change and Lakeshore United to provide the Huron Heart to Home: Out of the Cold emergency shelter. In addition to this, individuals were temporarily sheltered in local motels as part of an emergency COVID-19 response program.
Stability Team
We work directly with individuals in crisis. Social and Property Services has dedicated staff who are specially trained to assist individuals and families in crisis and/or facing housing instability.
Coordinated Action
We can’t do this alone. Social and Property Services staff have taken the lead and are partnering with multiple agencies and not-for-profits to provide coordinated system of care in Huron County. This group is collectively known as Huron Heart to Home.
Visit www.HuronCountyConnects.ca to learn more about what the Heart to Home group is doing to prevent and address homelessness in Huron County.
Financial Support
Social and Property Service staff administer multiple funding programs including:
- Ontario Works
- Pathways to Self-Sufficiency
- Canada Housing Benefit
- Urgent Relief Funds, in partnership with Perth-Huron United Way
- and more
Prevention
Homelessness diversion and prevention is our primary goal. The County maintains 415 rent-geared-to-income units and offers a variety of tenant and landlord programs designed to help keep individuals facing housing instability in their current homes.
Communication and Education
Social and Property Service staff work with the County’s Communication Team to keep the public and stakeholders informed.
Exploring supportive housing requirements that align with the County’s Long-Term Affordable Housing and Homelessness Plan
Currently staff are investigating housing options, connecting with community partners and seeking out federal and provincial grants that could fund supportive housing projects.
Current Homelessness Prevention Programs
The County of Huron manages and/or financially aids many homelessness prevention initiatives in Huron County. Some of these programs include:
Addiction Supportive Housing (ASH):
ASH is a transitional housing program for eight individuals working directly with Choices for Change (Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counseling Centre).
Pathways to Self-Sufficiency:
Pathways to Self-Sufficiency provides rental and utility arrears funding to low-income households experiencing potential eviction and/or utility disconnection.
Safe Homes for Youth:
Funding was provided to Safe Homes for Youth to assist in the supports and shelter for youth facing homelessness.
Yes I Can:
Yes I Can is a youth homelessness prevention program offering employment and education supports.
Housing Allowances:
This long-term support provides $250 each month directly to low-income households to help with rental and/or utility costs.
Rent Supplement:
A monthly fee paid directly to landlords who enter into a formal agreement with the County.
Emergency Cold Weather Shelter
With a lens of intersectionality, increased funding, and staff specially trained in trauma informed care, substance use, and mental health services, the Out of the Cold Emergency Shelter program provides an emergency shelter that also offers wrap around supports.
The emergency shelter is open for the cold weather season.
Hours: 7:00 pm – 8:00 am (No admission after 10pm)
Phone: 519-525-5922
Location: Lakeshore United Church, 56 North St., Goderich (Front Door Entrance)
COVID-19 Screening & restrictions in place.
The Out of the Cold Emergecny Shelter is managed by Choices for Change in partnership with the County of Huron and Lakeshore United Church.
Thank you to the following community partners and contributors:
- CMHA Elgin Middlesex;
- Choices for Change;
- Huron County Council and Local Municipalities;
- Huron County Emergency Services;
- Huron County Food Distribution Centre;
- Huron County Social and Property Services staff;
- Huron Perth Health Care Alliance;
- Huron Perth Public Health Unit;
- Lakeshore United Church;
- Local businesses supporting daily operations of shelter;
- Ontario Provincial Police;
- Town of Goderich;
- YMCA Goderich;
- United Way Perth-Huron;
- And all those who have made individual contributions to the shelter.
Emergency Shelter FAQs
How is Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home different than the previous Out of the Cold program?
The previous Out of the Cold program had a mandate to provide emergency shelter for those individuals in need of cold weather supports. This mandate was effectively met during the shelter’s time in operation. Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home provides emergency shelter plus wrap around supports that are provided by trained professionals including trauma informed care, substance use, and mental health supports. The goal of Huron Heart to Home is to transition those accessing emergency shelter into permanent housing solutions.
How many guests can Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home accommodate?
The shelter can support a limited number of guests each evening due to congregate living restrictions. The shelter can accommodate up to 15 individuals per evening but anticipates accommodating more than 50 unique guests over the course of the season.
Where is Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home located?
Location: Lakeshore United Church, 56 North St, Goderich (front door entrance)
Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00a.m. (No admission after 10:00 p.m.)
Phone Number: 519.525.5922
COVID screening and restrictions in place, including mask wearing.
Who can access Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home?
The shelter is available to anyone in Huron County who is in need of emergency shelter. There is a vetting process in place to ensure the shelter serves the needs of the Huron County community.
What services does Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home provide?
Congregate living emergency shelter, a hot evening meal option and a light breakfast, shower facilities, transportation, on-site security, and professionally trained staff are all included.
How and when can Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home be accessed?
To access the shelter and services you can call 519-525-5922. The program will be open to guests each day beginning at 7:00 pm each evening, and will remain open until 8:00 am the following day.
Is transportation to the shelter available?
Yes, transportation for guests from other areas in the County to the shelter will be available. Please call 519.525.5922 to access transportation services.
How long will Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home run for?
The shelter will provide an emergency shelter option throughout the winter months. The ultimate goal is, with Provincial and Federal support, to transition away from having an emergency shelter at all, but rather use a housing first model.
What is a housing first model?
A Housing First approach puts a primary focus on helping people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, to quickly access safe, affordable and stable housing, combining the immediate provision of permanent housing with wrap around support services.
What is Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home NOT?
Huron Out of the Cold: Heart to Home is NOT a long-term solution. It is NOT a permanent home. Guests are invited to the shelter as a short-term emergency response only. While at the shelter guests will receive wrap around supports that include seeking out more permanent housing opportunities.
How to Donate
Cash Donations
Cheque/money orders, made payable to Treasurer – County of Huron, can be forwarded to Social Services Attention: Jayme Koskamp at 77722D London Road, RR 5, Clinton, ON N0M 1L0. Out of the Cold can be referenced in the cheque memo.
Credit card donations can be made through the Treasury Department by contacting Marianne McIsaac at 519-524-8394 ext 3221
Unfortunately e-transfers cannot be accepted.
Please ensure a return address is included for tax receipt purposes.
New Items in Need
New, packaged, unopened items can be dropped off at any Huron County Library branch during regular operating hours.
Items most in need include: hygiene products including soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, socks, and underwear.
Gently Used Items in Need
Gently used items can be dropped off at Goodwill Community Store & Donation Centre at 355 Bayfield Rd, Goderich, or the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 309 Suncoast Dr E, Goderich during regular business hours.
Items most in need include, clothing, outerwear (including hats and mitts), and towels.
Take the Cringe Test
Huron is a Caring Community
Read Huron County is a Caring Community to learn more about why it’s important, and beneficial, to welcome supported and affordable housing developments in your own neighbourhood.
Enumeration 2021
The County of Huron undertook a point in time homelessness enumeration from November 29 to December 3, 2021.
The Enumeration Project is a point-in-time count of the number of people experiencing homelessness in a community. The Enumeration Project takes place every two years and is a process that enables homelessness to be tracked to see if it is growing or shrinking over time. All information collected through this process is completely confidential.
Results from pervious Enumeration Projects can be found in the Documents and Reports section below.
Myth Busters
There is a great deal of stigma and misinformation surrounding issues of homelessness. You can be part of the solution by becoming informed and not perpetuating false claims.
Myth: People choose to be homeless.
Fact: A variety of different factors can contribute to an individual’s experience of homelessness. Often, people experience homelessness when all other options have been exhausted, and/or they are dealing with circumstances that make it difficult to maintain housing.
Myth: People experiencing homelessness are lazy.
Fact: In order to survive, many people who experience homelessness are constantly in search for the necessities of life, such as food, shelter and a source of income. Therefore, due to the barriers that they face, many people experiencing homelessness do not have the option of being stagnant or lazy.
Myth: All people who experience homelessness are addicts.
Fact: Many people who experience homelessness do not struggle with substance abuse problems. Just like in the general population, only a percentage of those who are experiencing homelessness deal with substance use. People experiencing homelessness may deal with other complexities related to their experiences of homelessness, including trauma and mental illness, for example.
Myth: People experiencing homelessness should just find a job.
Fact: There are already people experiencing homelessness who are employed; however, it is much more difficult to find a job while experiencing homelessness. A number of different challenges, such as: lacking a permanent address, not having regular access to showers, barriers to transportation, and other difficulties like mental illness, make it difficult to obtain employment. Even when individuals experiencing homelessness find jobs, they are often part-time or minimum wage positions. This work fails to adequately meet their needs, due to expensive housing costs.
Myth: There are many services and supports to help those experiencing homelessness.
Fact: Many of the solutions and supports for homelessness have focused on emergency services, such as shelters and food banks. For individuals who are trying to escape a cycle of poverty and homelessness, emergency services alone are not adequate. There is a need to focus on the larger systemic factors, including the lack of affordable housing and the criminalization of homelessness that prevent people from obtaining permanent and suitable shelter.
Documents & Reports
Housing Study Reports
Long-term Affordable Housing Plan
Long Term Affordable Housing & Homelessness Plan – Update
Long-Term Affordable Housing & Homelessness Plan
Annual Reports
2022 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report
2021 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report
2020 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report
2019 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report
2018 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report
2017 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report
2016 Housing and Homelessness Annual Plan Report
2015 Annual Housing and Homelessness Plan Report
2014 Annual Housing and Homelessness Plan Report
Enumeration
Policies
Annual Subsidy
| Title of Policy | Policy No. | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Subsidy Estimates | Policy 2013-35 | Download |
Limits of Local Standards
| Title of Policy | Policy No. | |
|---|---|---|
| Conflict of Interest | Policy 2013-27 | Download |
| Leases | Policy 2013-31 | Download |
| Minimum Number Board Meetings | Policy 2013-29 | Download |
| Multi-Year Financial Plans | Policy 2013-32 | Download |
| Property Management | Policy 2013-28 | Download |
| Remuneration of Directors | Policy 2013-30 | Download |
Occupancy Standards
| Title of Policy | Policy No. | |
|---|---|---|
| Local Occupancy Standards | Policy 2013-09 | Download |
| Maximum Absence from Unit | Policy 2013-06 | Download |
Rent Geared to Income
| Title of Policy | Policy No. | |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Rent Upon New Information | Policy 2013-37 | Download |
| Deferral of Forgiveness of RGI Rent | Policy 2013-34 | Download |
| Failure to Obtain Income | Policy 2013-02 | Download |
| Failure to Provide Information | Policy 2013-01 | Download |
| Maximum Household Assets | Policy 2013-04 | Download |
| Maximum Household Incomes | Policy 2013-03 | Download |
| Notice of Decision by Housing Providers | Policy 2013-21 | Download |
| Reimbursement of RGI Overpayment | Policy 2013-22 | Download |
| Review of Geared-to-Income Rent | Policy 2013-38 | Download |
| Timing of Reviews | Policy 2013-20 | Download |
Review of Decisions
| Title of Policy | Policy No. | |
|---|---|---|
| System of Review of Decisions | Policy 2013-33 | Download |
Special Needs
| Title of Policy | Policy No. | |
|---|---|---|
| Removal From Wait List | Policy 2013-24 | Download |
| Review of Special Needs Eligibility | Policy 2013-26 | Download |
| Selection System | Policy 2013-23 | Download |
| Special Needs Households | Policy 2013-19 | Download |
| System of Review of Decisions | Policy 2013-36 | Download |
Wait List
| Title of Policy | Policy No. | |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative Housing Providers | Policy 2013-17 | Download |
| Forms & Documentation | Policy 2013-11 | Download |
| Removal from Wait List | Policy 2013-12 | Download |
| Review of Rent-Geared-to-Income Eligibility | Policy 2013-14 | Download |
| Selection of RGI Household for Vacant Units | Policy 2013-15 | Download |
| System for Selecting Waiting Households | Policy 2013-10 | Download |
| Temporary Removal from Wait List | Policy 2013-13 | Download |
Contact Information
Should you have any questions or concerns relating to any aspect of Housing & Property Services within Huron County, please contact:
Huron County Housing & Property Services
77722D London Road, RR 5
Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 (Get directions)
Phone: 519.482.8505
Toll Free: 1.888.371.5718
Fax: 519.482.1632
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.