Closed
Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP)
One-time housing support for rent and utility needs
Last Update: June 19, 2026
Funding available
$ 822 - $ 2,266
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Essex, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides one-time financial assistance to help cover rent arrears or secure housing with first or last month’s rent. It supports eligible residents of Windsor and Essex County facing housing instability, and utility help is available through a separate program.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,266 $
- Minimum amount : 822 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Public administration
Location
- Essex, Windsor
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Emergency rent assistance to prevent eviction.
- Assistance to secure affordable housing with first or last month’s rent.
- Financial support for heating and energy through a separate utility program.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Residents of Windsor.
- Residents of Essex County.
- Ontario Works recipients.
- Ontario Disability Support Program recipients.
Eligible expenses
- Rental arrears.
- First month’s rent.
- Last month’s rent.
Eligible geographic areas
- Windsor
- Essex County
Selection criteria
- Housing costs must be less than 65% of gross household income.
- Rental arrears must not exceed two months.
- The applicant must have resided at the address for at least one year.
- A documented need to relocate may qualify.
How to apply
- Step 1: Confirm eligibility
- Check residence, income, housing cost, arrears, and housing need requirements.
- Step 2: Apply based on your status
- OW and ODSP recipients contact their caseworker.
- Other applicants call the program line to apply.
- Step 3: Seek utility support separately if needed
- Visit the Keep the Heat website for heating and energy assistance.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through the local housing assistance process.
- Ontario Works and ODSP recipients apply through their caseworker.
- Other applicants apply by phone.
- Utility assistance is handled through a separate program.
Additional information
- Emergency rent assistance is also known as the Housing Stability Plan (HSP).
- One-time financial assistance may be provided.
- The program covers rental arrears, first month’s rent, or last month’s rent.
- Separate utility support is available through Keep the Heat.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP) Program
What is the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP)?
This program provides one-time financial assistance to help cover rent arrears or secure housing with first or last month’s rent. It supports eligible residents of Windsor and Essex County facing housing instability, and utility help is available through a separate program.
How much funding can be received?
Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP) Funds up to $2,266 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP) program?
To be eligible for the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP) program, you must:
Resident of Windsor or Essex County.
Low-income or OW/ODSP recipient.
Facing rent arrears or housing instability.
What expenses are eligible under Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP)?
Emergency rent assistance to prevent eviction.
Assistance to secure affordable housing with first or last month’s rent.
Financial support for heating and energy through a separate utility program.
Who can I contact for more information about the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP)?
You can contact Municipality of Red Lake or by phone at (519) 255-6100 ext. 5294.
Where is the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP) available?
The Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance / Housing Stability Plan (HSP) is a Grant and Funding