The YCS Housing program encompasses three main services:
The YCS Housing Help Centre is one of seven centres in Toronto which provide a broad range of housing assistance and serve as an access point for applications to Toronto Community Housing. Counsellors help low-income people find and retain stable housing. The program serves the general population with emphasis on clients who are at risk of homelessness, individuals with mental health issues, people leaving violent or threatening situations and individuals in severe financial distress. Our Housing Help Centre Services include:
Our Housing Help Centre serves the former City of York as well as an extended area to the east. Boundaries include the areas from St. Clair to Lawrence and Humber River to Yonge Street. For Further Information Contact: YCS at 416-653-5400 and ask for the Housing Help Centre.
Our Rent Bank Program provides information and support to low income households to help stabilize their housing and prevent eviction and homelessness. Services include access to interest-free loans to pay arrears in rent as well as mediation and counseling. The program’s main goal is to prevent immediate eviction by providing loans to qualified individuals and families. The Rent Bank Worker also refers clients to other YCS housing, counseling or legal staff, as appropriate, in an effort to help stabilize their financial situation and enhance their effectiveness in coping with personal problems. For Further Information Contact: YCS at 416-653-5400 and ask for the Rent Bank Worker
Streets to Homes Follow-up Services provides assistance to individuals who were homeless or at risk of homelessness and have been housed by the Streets to Homes outreach team. Services include follow up support for up to one year from the date of placement. Workers meet with clients on an ongoing basis and provide case management and case planning to ensure that the tenancy remains successful. They also assist clients in building partnerships with community-based agencies and services in their home area in order to establish stronger ties to their community and acquire the necessary tools and skills to gain control over their lives and personal circumstances.