Toronto Rent Bank Program Initiated To Prevent Homelessness

In an effort to aid the housing crisis in Toronto, Neighbourhood Information Post has created the Toronto Rent Bank program offering interest-free repayable loans to low-income households facing eviction due to short term financial difficulties. As part of a partnership, Neighbourhood Information Post acts as the central administrative agency as well as a local service access centre in this city-wide homelessness prevention program. It requires tremendous effort to re-home households that have been evicted. The goal of the Toronto Rent Bank program is to prevent eviction and provide first and last month’s rent payments reducing homelessness within the city.

“Our Toronto Rent Bank program has been designed to help end the cycle of increasing poverty. It is difficult to find housing once you have experienced homelessness. Having to find first and last month’s rent for a new location, while you are in the midst of rent arrears, makes the process overwhelming. We see clients in very desperate situations. The idea is to prevent homelessness and help keep families in suitable housing,” said Gladys Wong, executive director with Neighbourhood Information Post. “We are trying to inform the public about the Toronto Rent Bank program and spread awareness within the city of Toronto. People need to know help is available if they are experiencing difficulties in making rent payments. The Toronto Rent Bank can provide immediate assistance to qualified applicants” added Wong.

Neighbourhood Information Post has initiated a successful partnership with Albion Neighbourhood Services, COSTI North York Housing Help, East York Housing Help, The Housing Help Centre, The Neighbourhood Organization, Unison Health and Community Services who are all working together on the Toronto Rent Bank program. The not-for-profit agency is grateful to the City of Toronto for funding this essential program.

The Toronto Rent Bank Program assists clients who are in rent arrears or require help with their initial first and last month payment required to obtain rental housing. Clients are eligible for the Toronto Rent Bank program if they meet the following criteria:

• The applicant lives in Toronto with legal status in Canada.

• The applicant has a steady and ongoing source of income (within low-income guidelines).

• The applicant currently receives income through social assistance (OW / ODSP) or OSAP plus additional income; special rules apply* (*Please contact your local office for more information).

• The rental unit is covered by provincial tenant legislation (RTA) and they are paying market rent.

• The applicant can provide documentation required by the Rent Bank application process and satisfy all other program requirements.

Applicants can contact Neighbourhood Information Post to find a local access centre at 416-924-2543. For more information on Neighbourhood Information Post and the Toronto Rent Bank Program visit www.nipost.org. 

Neighbourhood Information Post is a not-for-profit organization that offers services such as the Toronto Rent Bank, Housing Trustee Program, Income Tax Clinics, Energy Assistance Programs, Chinese Senior Programs and other community support initiatives. All programs are geared towards assisting the community with housing and living expense issues. Founded in 1969, Neighbourhood Information Post is a pioneer in innovative homelessness prevention programs. They are a strong community partner in Toronto, especially for low-income individuals and families in the eastern part of Downtown Toronto. 

For more information contact:

Christine Hann, Public Relations Manager

Dufferin Media

christine@dufferinmedia.com

519-806-0601

Gladys Wong, Executive Director

Neighbourhood Information Post

gladys@nipost.org

416-924-2543 x224

www.nipost.org

Facebook: @niptoronto

Instagram: neighbourhoodinformationpost

Twitter: @nip_toronto

About Dufferin Media

Founded in 2012, Dufferin Media is a group of online professionals that specialize in social media management, internet marketing and public relations. Dufferin Media has grown to service a large amount of organizations both locally and internationally. The team believes in helping businesses grow through branding, strategy and implementation. Their passion for business and entrepreneurship is the main focus in helping clients establish and achieve their goals.