The Working Centre - Affordable Supportive Housing


Information For Tenants

If you would like personal support in your housing search please feel free to drop in at The Working Centre's 58 Queen Street South location or call Angie at (519) 743-1151 ext. 117 and ask to make an appointment. We have a number of staff available to assist you in your search or in problem-solving through any housing-related difficulties.

The Basic Steps

  1. Search housing listings in local newspapers or online
  2. Walk around the neighbourhood you would like to live in and find "For Rent" signs
  3. You may want to keep track of places to call on this form
  4. Call landlords to make appointments to see apartments
  5. BE ON TIME for your appointment and bring references if you have them
  6. Pay attention to:
    • Are heat and hydro included?
    • Is there a bus stop nearby?
    • Must you pay money for first and last month's rent right away?
    • Do you need references?
    • Will you be sharing common living spaces? With how may? Who?

If you are receiving Social Assistance (Ontario Workds or ODSP)

Bring an Rental Promise Note form. You can download them here, get them from your caseworker, The Housing Desk or another housing help centre. Once you find a room or apartment you would like to rent, ask the landlord to sign the form.

Bring the Rental Promise Note to your Social Assistance caseworker right away. It will serve as proof of your new address and the monthly rent required.

Housing Listings

If you are looking for housing, try the following online listings:

You may want to keep track of places you wish to call on this form.

Financial Assistance

  • If you need to receive Ontario Works assistance - call the Intake number (519) 883-2100. The first phone call will take about 45 minutes. At the end of the phone call, if you are considered eligible for assistance you will be given an appointment with an Intake Worker.
  • If you are already regisitered for Ontario Works - and need help with last month's rent, talk to your caseworker about "Community Start-Up".
  • If you are not registered for Ontario Works and need a one-time emergency help - call the Ontario Works Intake number (519) 883-2100 and ask for an appointment to be considered for "Emergency Assistance." If you have a stable income but need one-time help with rent due to exceptional circumstances call Lutherwood's Rent Bank & Eviction Prevention program at (519) 743-2246 ext. 225.

If you need help negotiating any of these situations visit us at The Housing Desk.

Subsidized Housing

If you have a limited income and would like to apply for subsidized housing (rent geared to income) please visit the Waterloo Region Co-ordinated Access Service (WRACS) website to download an application, or stop in at The Housing Desk and we will help you fill one out. However, be forwarned that in many cases the waiting list is a couple of years long.

Apartment Furnishings

If you have an apartment but are short on furnishings, please contact The Housing Desk and we can provide you with a voucher to exchange for some free basic furnishings such as table, chairs and kitchen supplies. In some cases we may be able to help with transportation of goods if needed.

Other Housing Support Links

Click here for information about legal and financial support, or other housing search services.

For more information, contact the Housing Desk at (519) 743-1151 ext. 117 or by email.