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Learn about how Halton Region maintains safe and assisted housing for low income households through  subsidized housing programs.

Application for HATCH

Mail your completed application (PDF file) to:

  • Halton Access to Community Housing (HATCH)
    Housing Services Division
    Regional Municipality of Halton
    1151 Bronte Road
    Oakville, ON
    L6M 3L1

Need help with the cost of housing?

Assisted Housing - Halton Access to Community Housing (HATCH)

If you are struggling with the cost of maintaining your rental home, Halton Region's Assisted Housing Programs may be able to help. Assistance may be in the form of rent-geared-to-income (RGI), which provides safe rental housing for individuals and families with low incomes or financial assistance where you are currently renting.

How does the Rent Supplement Program work?

Rent supplements reduce the cost of housing for qualified low income individuals and families. Landlords sign an agreement to provide RGI units to the program, and Halton Region places eligible applicants from the HATCH waitlist in the available units. The housing subsidy provided through the program is paid directly to the landlord. Tenants pay their part of the rent, based on their household income, directly to their landlord.

Tenants pay their part of the rent, based on their household income, directly to their landlord.

Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit

The Canada Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) program provides low income households with an immediate need a portable housing benefit to assist with rental costs in their private market rent housing. The benefit is tied to the household and can be used to help pay rent anywhere in Ontario.

Below Market Rent Programs

Below market rent programs provide low income households with a rental unit that is less than the average market rent in Halton Region.

How to apply

HATCH Application

To apply for all assisted housing programs you need to submit a Halton Access to Community Housing (HATCH) Application (PDF file). Call 311 to have an application mailed to you.

Note: Review the searchable RGI housing database to assist you with your HATCH application.

Priority Applications/Other Forms

Some applicants may have special circumstances that warrant specific housing criteria or an expedited application process. If any of the conditions below apply to you, make sure to submit the additional form with your HATCH application.

Are you at risk of losing your housing? Learn about other services to meet your immediate housing needs in Halton Region.

Subsidized Housing Eligibility

Requirements

  • One household member must be 16 or older.
  • Household is able to live independently (with or without help of a support services agency)
  • All household members have legal status in Canada.
  • Household income must not exceed the income limit for Halton Region
    • income limits align with Household Income Limits under the Housing Services Act.
  • Household assets must not exceed the asset limit for Halton Region
    • asset limit is $50,000 for one person and $75,000 for two or more people.
  • No members of the household owe money to any social housing provider in Ontario.
  • No member has a conviction in the last 24 months of a charge under the criminal code or the Housing Services Act, 2011 related to the receipt RGI assistance.

Income and Status proof

To determine eligibility, all applicants must provide:

  • Most recent Notice of Assessment (tax form from Canada Revenue Agency)
  • Proof of status in Canada (birth certificate, immigration papers etc.)

Up-to-Date Application

You are responsible to:

  • Advise HATCH of changes to address or phone number. Applications are cancelled if we can not reach you.
  • Advise HATCH of any changes to family size. This includes the birth of a child or a spouse separation.
  • Advise HATCH if you wish to make changes to your building selection.

Important: updating your information

If your HATCH application is approved, you must keep your information up to date.

HATCH will ask you to complete an application update form every other year. If you do not complete the update by the deadline, HATCH will cancel your application.

In addition to the update, you are responsible for notifying HATCH of all changes in your family size, income and asset amounts and building selections. Please report changes within 30 days.

HATCH applicants receive only one offer of housing. Your HATCH application will be cancelled if you refuse a housing offer or the offers is made based on outdated application information.

Frequently asked questions

It is not possible to provide a specific wait time.

Criteria used to place individuals and families changes regularly. Halton Region must follow provincial government regulations, which means the date on your application is not the only information used for placement on our wait list. The waiting time can sometimes take several years for units highest in demand, such as for single non-senior individuals.

Flexibility is important. The greater number of communities and properties selected, the shorter the wait times tend to be.

The housing provider will contact you when they reach your name on the wait list. At that time, the housing provider may:

  • Complete credit and landlord checks
  • Call you for an interview
  • Require you to have a good credit rating and landlord references

All housing providers are bound by government legislation. These regulations govern the relationships between landlords and tenants and cover issues that may affect your tenancy.

  • Rent-geared-to-income - People living in assisted housing pay a rent based on 30% of their household income (before taxes). Adjustments are made depending on utility coverage included with the rental unit.
  • Market Rent - These housing providers compare rents in the private sector for similar units. You will pay a comparable rate to these units.
  • Utilities - Some housing communities in Halton include utilities in the rent. Units metered separately, such as townhouses, may require the tenant to pay for some or all of the utilities (hydro, water, and gas).

Many social housing providers in Halton offer accommodations suitable for wheelchair users. Check the details section of each listing to see the number and type of wheelchair accessible units.

Supportive housing helps seniors live independently. We provide help with everyday activities such as:

  • Personal care - bathing, basic hygiene, preventative skin care
  • Personal support - dressing/undressing, reminders to take medicine etc.
  • Homemaking services - light housekeeping and laundry

To apply, please include the Supportive Housing Application with your HATCH application form. HATCH will forward your request to the Supportive Housing Provider who will evaluate your needs.

HATCH Annual Update Online Form

If you are a current Halton Access to Community Housing (HATCH) applicant, please complete the HATCH annual update online form.

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