DESCRIPTION
Our project addresses housing instability with financial support for Hamilton-based clients to prevent eviction and enable successful housing placements. Funding will support cleaning needs and basic unit repairs in high‑risk situations, including hoarding, as well as first/last month's rent when other sources like ODSP, OW or city funds have been depleted. Most clients need first month’s rent assistance to secure housing, and last month’s rent support is limited and can be used up quickly if clients move multiple times in a short period. In hoarding situations, lack of funds for cleaning, pest control, and staff support often result in eviction instead of stabilization. We’ve seen situations where basic repair or trash removal result in the landlord keeping the current tenant or working with Wesley to house another person. This project will allow us to clean/restore units, meaningfully engage clients, and support staff time spent preventing housing loss. Overall, the funding will reduce evictions, preserve landlord relationships, and improve the quality of life for unhoused people.
DETAILS
Affordability Framework
The project follows an income based affordability framework aligned with Rent Geared to Income (RGI) principles, with the goal of ensuring clients’ total shelter costs do not exceed 30% of their income. Due to long wait times for RGI units in Hamilton, housing is primarily secured through rent subsidy programs such as the City of Hamilton’s Rent Secure and the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit. These subsidies use a similar income based formula and are essential for clients receiving Ontario Works or other fixed incomes, as average market rents are often unattainable.
Clients are also assisted in accessing utility subsidies and income supports, including the Ontario Electricity Support Program and available tax credits. For many of our clients it’s imperative we combine rent subsidies with other supports to ensure their shelter costs do not exceed 30% of their income. We know this framework is essential to preventing housing loss due to unaffordable shelter costs.
Target Completion Date
N/A
Populations Served
Homelessness
Total Project Cost
$225,000
Total Units
65
Affordable Units
65
Project Funding
Funding Required
We are requesting $75,000/year for three years to support our housing clients in Hamilton with housing stability by providing first and/or last month’s rent, and our housing staff with access to cleaning costs for high-risk eviction situations, where extensive cleaning and support is needed for hoarding or to maintain landlord relationships. We would use 15% of the funds to support administrative costs for staff to administer the funding.
Funds Raised
Currently the housing support workers are funded by the City of Hamilton and work in cooperation with the City's outreach team and other agencies. We have access to flexible funding but it is limited and last year $38,000 was used for first month's rent alone.
Use of funds
The requested funds will be used to address immediate barriers to housing stability by covering first and last month’s rent and essential cleaning and pest control costs in situations where clients are at high risk of eviction or unable to secure housing. Currently, these costs are largely drawn from our flexible fund, with first month’s rent accounting for the majority of these expenses. This limits our ability to respond to other needs such as moving costs, arrears, or basic household setup supports.
Funding for first month’s rent is critical, as most clients are unable to secure housing without it. While last month’s rent assistance may be available through other sources like the City’s Housing Help Fund, these supports are limited and can be quickly exhausted, particularly for clients who have experienced multiple moves. In cases where clients have rent arrears and have used all available options, arrears can also prevent access to rent geared to income housing, further limiting housing stability.
The funds will also support cleaning, decluttering, and pest control interventions in severe hoarding situations. Without resources and dedicated staff time, these situations often result in eviction rather than stabilization. Funding will allow us to intervene early by restoring units to a livable condition, using incentives and practical supplies to motivate clients, and dedicating staff to support sustained progress. If the client has to move, these actions can also help maintain landlord relationships for future clients.
Overall, the impact will be reduced evictions, increased housing retention, and more successful housing placements. By relieving pressure on the flexible fund, the project will also allow broader support to clients’ diverse needs, improving long term housing outcomes for all our clients. Wesley has operated programs focused on re-housing people for decades. We already have the people and structure in place to seamlessly continue this work.
Human Impact Story
After years of instability and living without a safe place to call home, Michael had nearly given up hope. He had a long history of housing instability, repeated moves, homelessness, and periods of living outdoors. Despite working when able and supporting others in need, he struggled to maintain stable housing due to financial barriers, limited supports, and unresolved challenges. Through our housing and outreach services, consistent support helped him navigate systems, secure housing, and address immediate barriers that had previously prevented success. With practical assistance and ongoing encouragement, Michael was able to move into a safe, affordable apartment and begin rebuilding his independence. His new space helped him regain confidence, pursue personal interests, and reconnect with a sense of purpose. Today, he remains housed and is focused on giving back to the community that supported him during a critical time. Full story: https://wesley.ca/michaels-story-finding-a-way-back-to-himself/
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