The Housing Stability Program (HSP) assists eligible low-income Durham residents, as well as eligible individuals moving to Durham, who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing housing instability. The program helps eligible residents obtain and maintain stable and affordable housing, prevent evictions, avoid utility disconnection due to arrears resulting from unforeseen circumstances, and reduce the risk of homelessness.
HSP recipients can receive financial support for:
- Last month’s rent deposit;
- Rental arrears (if you are behind in paying your rent);
- Utility arrears (if you are behind in paying your utilities); and
- Moving costs
HSP assistance must support housing stability or help prevent homelessness. HSP assistance may be available once every 36 months for each type of support. For example, if you receive assistance for a last month's rent deposit, you may still be eligible for assistance with rental arrears, utility arrears, or moving costs, subject to program eligibility requirements.
Upon receipt of your completed online application, we will contact you within five (5) to fifteen (15) business days.
To help us process your application as quickly as possible, please ensure all sections of the form are completed accurately and in full. Incomplete or incorrect information may result in processing delays.
If you need assistance completing your Housing Stability Program (HSP) application, please contact my Durham at 311.
To proceed with your application, you will be required to provide:
- Government-issued photo identification for all adult household members.
- Proof of status in Canada for all household members (for example, a birth certificate, permanent resident card, or immigration document).
- Bank statements for the most recent 60 days for all bank accounts, including chequing, savings, investment, and other asset accounts.
- Proof of residence in Durham Region (for example, a lease agreement, utility bill, or other proof of address).
- Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, employment income statements, or other income verification documents. If you receive Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) assistance, this information may be obtained through SAMS.
Additional documents based on the type of assistance requested:
Last Month's Rent: A copy of the lease, a completed Intent to Rent form signed by the landlord or property manager, or a signed Ontario Standard Lease. Information provided will be verified. This information will be verified.
Moving Costs: A quote, estimate, or receipt for moving expenses (for example, a moving company or truck rental).
Rental Arrears: A copy of the applicable notice or application related to rent arrears (for example, an N4 Notice to End a Tenancy Early for Non-payment of Rent or an L1 Application to Evict a Tenant for Non-payment of Rent and to Collect Rent the Tenant Owes). This must be uploaded submitted as part of this application.
Utility Arrears: A copy of the utility bill and any disconnection notice for hydro, water, or heating services must be uploaded and submitted.
Documents must be uploaded to your application prior to submission. You may save your application and return to it at any time. Your application will remain saved until you submit it. Your application will not be considered complete until all necessary documents have been received.
Required Consents
As part of this application, you will be asked to complete the following consent forms:
- Client HIFIS Consent – to allow the collection and sharing of your information
- Declaration & Consent – to confirm your understanding and agreement with the terms of the application
To review HSP eligibility and complete an online application, please click "Continue”. You can save your application at any time and return later to complete and submit it.
