Program: Community Homelessness Prevention Program
Organizations: Kenora District Services Board
Kenora District Services Board - Dryden Office
Description of Services:
  • Provides financial assistance with utility payments and/or rent arrears for low-income individuals and families and recipients of Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits
  • Assists individuals at risk of homelessness to remain housed
  • Types of expenses eligible for assistance may include:
    • Rent arrears
    • Utility arrears,
    • First and/or last month rent,
    • Utility deposit,
    • Moving expenses related to employment,
    • Health and safe living
    Requirements
    Fees: None
    Eligibility - Population(s) Served:
    • Residents of the District of Kenora 18 years of age and older

    • Must be at or below Low Income Cut Off (LICO) + 15%

    • Landlords/utility companies must agree to continue the tenancy and/or continue the service upon payment of the arrears

    • Applicants must not be subject to any eviction proceedings for reasons other than rent arrears

    • Applicants must indicate their intention to remain in their current accommodation for at least a further twelve (12) month period

    • Successful applicants will be requested to repay the funds over a reasonable period of time


    Shelter

    • Rental arrears as long as rental unit is not subsidized, to a maximum of two months' rent

    • Applicants must demonstrate that arrears are temporary and not chronic and that with assistance with clearing up the outstanding arrears, the applicant will be able to pay future rent

    • This fund does not provide last month's rent

    • Mortgage arrears are available up to 2 months with a maximum of $1,000


    Utilities

    • Individuals who have received a disconnection notice and/or require funding for reconnection costs of any utility service including water, sewer, oil, and wood

    • In extenuating circumstances (flood, fire, victim of violence), utility and hydro deposits can be provided

    • Amount of the outstanding arrears will be provided on a one time basis


    Repairs

    • Individuals whose dwellings require emergency repairs necessary in order to remain housed, to a maximum of $750

    • Repairs could be to fix pipes, furnace, washer, dryer, fridge and stove


    Other Items

    • Individuals who have an emergency situation such as fire, flood and victims of violence who need to purchase necessary household items to a maximum of $750

    • Moving expenses if it is necessary for the health and welfare of the person to leave the previous place of residence
    Application:
    • Contact your local Kenora District Services Board office to set up an appointment

    • Individuals currently receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability supports should speak with their Case Manager directly to discuss rent/utility arrears as this may be handled through a different program


    Required documentation

    • Identification - Birth certificate or driver's licence

    • Income verification for all family members (i.e. last 2 pay stubs, EI slips, pension slips, support orders, rental income)

    • Asset information for all adult family members; last bank statement (all accounts), value of any investments

    • Utility, gas, oil, water bills; disconnect notice, plus last bill

    • Rent receipts or mortgage documentation, plus eviction notice

    • Estimates for household repairs

    • You may be required to provide verification of crisis situation
    Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible      Wheelchair Accessible
    Languages: English
    Contact Information
    Phone Numbers: 1-800-461-5766
    Email: supportclerk@kdsb.on.ca
    Website: kdsb.on.ca/our-services/community-housing-services...
    Address: 20 King St
    Dryden, ON
    P8N 1B3
    Map
    Location:
    • Located on King St on the S side of TransCanada Hwy
    • Closest intersection is at King St and Earl Ave
    • Situated beside the RBC Royal Bank
    Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-4:30 pm

    This information is provided by thehealthline.ca. It was last completely updated on: 3/8/2026