Rental assistance available for low income families

News Release RRDSSAB Deb Ewald, Chair of the Social Housing Committee of the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB), is very pleased with the Province’s new initiative to provide housing allowances for low income working families struggling to pay their rent. “Unfortunately, families only have until November 15th to apply for a housing allowance so we really want to get the word out as quickly as possible. We believe there are many families in our district who could benefit from this provincial fund,” said Ms. Ewald. Rental Opportunity for Ontario Families (ROOF) is Ontario’s new $185 million housing allowance program. A “housing allowance” is a financial supplement given directly to a tenant to help pay the rent. Under ROOF, eligible families will receive $100 per month, starting in January, 2008. “Tenants may be eligible for the program, if they meet certain criteria,” explained Sandra Weir, the DSSAB’s Non-Profit Housing Manager. “They must be a resident of Ontario; work and have an earned income of at least $5,000 and an adjusted family net income below $20,000; they must have one or more dependent children under the age of 18 or a dependent adult; pay more than 30 percent of their adjusted family net income towards rent; have less than $10,000 in liquid assets; not currently be receiving social assistance or any other rent subsidy; and not own a home suitable for year-round occupation.” “Eligible families will receive the housing allowance assistance for up to five years, beginning in January” reports Ewald. “People have to apply by November 15th.” Families can request an application form by calling 1-888-544-5101 or by signing up online at www.ontario.ca/ROOF. “We would be happy to answer people’s questions or get them started with the process” said Weir. “They can just drop by the DSSAB office or call us at 274-5349 or toll free at 800-265-5349. ROOF can make a positive difference in the lives of families that will directly benefit from the monthly housing allowance. It will reduce the amount of household income spent on rent, and allow them to cover other family expenses such as food and clothing. We really encourage people to call.”