Housing Desk

What Do We Do?

The Housing Desk supports people in need of housing through the process of finding, establishing and outfitting a new home.

• Establishing a temporary place of shelter
• Searching for an apartment
• Problem solving through issues of obtaining first and last months' rent and any frustrations involved in the housing search
• Liaison with Social Assistance intake and case workers
• Referrals for legal support
• Providing ongoing support through links to employment counselling, language classes, computer training, addictions or mental health counselling, volunteer opportunities, etc

For many, stable housing is a foundation which must be in place before other challenges in their lives can be addressed. A lack of stable housing can function as an insurmountable barrier – both physically and psychologically -- for individuals and families needing to face an employment search, obtain adequate food and clothing, or deal with situations of conflict. Often it is only once some level of security has been attained in their immediate physical environment that the energy can be found to deal with other issues needing their attention.

Check out our new Housing Listings Maps which have information about 2 bedroom, 1 bedroom, and bachelor units for rent as well as rooms for rent in Kitchener-Waterloo.

Community Partners

While the Housing Desk is located at The Working Centre, it draws together the work of many agencies and individuals in the community. The Housing Desk works with each agency, faith community or service to develop a protocol for how their assistance can be obtained so that we can help individuals coming to the Desk access it in a coordinated way. We can help you to navigate through these services to find what works for you.

Worth a Second Look Furniture and Housewares

The Worth a Second Look thrift shop at 97 Victoria St. N. provides a wide range of affordable furniture and houseware items.

What Can You Do?

Locating Existing Affordable Rental Units

We need help identifying affordable units available for rent. We are currently developing two lists:

1. Registry of affordable units in Kitchener/Waterloo
   If you have a room or apartment in your home or rental building please register with our Affordable Unit Registry. The registry is a free service aimed at matching landlords with prospective tenants. Many of the individuals we work with receive Social Assistance and therefore have only $325 to $350 to spend on rent.
2. List of people willing to offer temporary shelter (less than 2 weeks). We occasionally need temporary spaces for people to stay while they look for more permanent housing. Arrangements would be made on a case-by-case basis. If you or anyone you know would consider opening their home in this way please contact us.

Does anyone in your community rent affordable rooms or apartments?
Would anyone be willing to offer temporary shelter for homeless women?

Creation of New Affordable Rental Units

Many "affordable" units are still unaffordable for those on Social Assistance who receive a maximum housing allowance of $350 as an individual or $525 as a couple. If you currently have rooms or apartments for rent, consider renting some or all of them as affordable housing units at these rates.

Could you lower rent on some rental units you own?

Would you consider building affordable units in your home?

Donation of Furniture and Housing Goods

Worth a Second Look accepts donations of furniture and other housing goods to distribute to newly housed individuals and families. The items most needed are good, used:

• Beds
• Dressers
• Pots and Pans
• Small Appliances such as toasters and tea kettles

If you have items to donate, please call (519) 569-7566. Pick-up can be arranged if necessary.