Services

Our many programs are available to all individuals, families and youth and cover a wide range of services to assist with obtaining or retaining affordable, appropriate housing in Windsor-Essex.  Appointments are recommended, however walk-ins are welcome.  All services offered are FREE of charge.

Housing Information Services in Windsor & Essex County offers:

One-on-One Coordinator Assistance

Provide one-on-one support for persons with moderate housing needs and connections to other service agencies or landlords to obtain or retain permanent accommodations in all types of rental housing.

Housing First

Housing Information Services, in partnership with Family Services Windsor-Essex and ACCESS (County Community Support Services), deliver Housing First through Windsor-Essex Housing Connections.  The collaborative works to provide service co-ordination, housing response and integrated supports using a person centred approach that places the highest priority on preventing homelessness, securing permanent housing as quickly as possible and then providing the support necessary to maintain their housing.

Investment in Affordable Housing Program (IAH)

Improves access to affordable housing for eligible low income households by supplementing the difference between the market rent and the rent the household can afford.  Housing Information Services negotiates with private and non-profit landlords and places tenants in affordable units.

Landlord Listings

Maintain an up-to-date landlord database of affordable rental units in the city and county to offer options to households in their search for affordable housing.  Housing Information Services connects individuals, families and seniors in our community with landlords offering affordable rental units.  Participating Landlords list their units for free.

Keep The Heat (KTH) Energy Assistance Program

In partnership with the Unemployed Help Centre, and community agencies in the city and the county, KTH offers financial assistance for energy related costs to prevent disconnection or reconnect the utilities to eligible low-income individuals and families once per calendar year.

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

Provide a monthly on-bill credit to help reduce electricity bills for eligible low-income individuals and families for 2 years and up to 5 years for extended eligible applicants before re-applying.  Households can apply on-line or with assistance through Housing Information Services.

Youth Programs

HIS in partnership with the United Way Centraide of Windsor/Essex offers an after school program, “Youth First”, currently operating out of Catholic Central High School.  Homework assistance and / or academic support, physical activity opportunities, recreational components that include arts and cultural activities and a nutritious snack are all components of the Youth First Program to assist in building positive relationships built on trust and respect to help youth reach their full potential.

Senior Programs

Windsor Essex Compassionate Community program is a new program to make it easier for people to watch out and care for one another.  The program strives to build a stronger and safer community where people are happier, healthier and enjoy a better quality of life when connected with each other. Offered at Ken Gerard Senior Apartments through a collaborative with Housing Information Services, the Hospice of Windsor & Essex County and United Way Centraide Windsor/Essex.

Preventing Homelessness and encouraging Self-Empowerment (PHASE)

Provide transitional housing for families who are homeless and assist with case management and follow up. Housing Information Services supports the tenants to secure permanent housing and maintains contact with the families for up to 12 months.

Central Housing Registry (CHR) Satellite Office

Provide consumers with CHR geared to income housing applications for Windsor and Essex County, and assists in their search for affordable housing while on the CHR wait list.

On-tap water filters and replacement cartridges

Partnered with the City of Windsor through the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Housing Information Services provides on-tap water filters to remove lead from drinking water for eligible low income families.

Paralegal Forms Clinic

In partnership with St. Clair College, Housing Information Services offers an on-site forms completion service. Paralegal students assist with affidavits, license applications, passport applications, credit card applications, forms for financial assistance, tax credit forms, business registration forms, forms for employment and school, many government forms, some court forms as well as many others.