The Métis Housing Stabilization Program is funded through Reaching Home, a federal government program that is part of the Canadian Homelessness Strategy. The program is designed to address the growing issue of homelessness and housing instability by providing eviction prevention and housing stabilization services. It supports individuals and families who are homeless, at immediate risk of becoming homeless, or in an unstable housing situation.

Available Services

NOTE: Services may be subject to individual eligibility criteria and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Financial Support for:

  • Rental and/or utility arrears to help avert eviction.
  • First and/or last months’ rent for those exiting homelessness, fleeing abuse, or facing an unpreventable eviction.
    • Exceptions for seniors and those with physical mobility issues needing to move to unit that meets their physical accessibility needs.
  • Household set-up (e.g. basic furnishings) for those exiting homelessness or fleeing abuse.
  • Miscellaneous items based on individual circumstances (e.g. moving costs, storage fees, LTB filing fees, etc.).

Housing-Based Case Management for:

  • Tenant advocacy
  • Landlord-tenant disputes
  • Education on tenant rights & responsibilities
  • Social housing applications & priority requests
  • Resource support and referrals
  • Housing searches
  • Support and advocacy in finding shelters with available space
  • Assistance in obtaining personal identification
  • Additional supports based on individual circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Registered Métis Nation of Ontario Citizen with valid citizenship number
    (note: this is different from citizenship numbers from another provincial Métis Nation outside of Ontario, a status card number issued by the Government of Canada, or an out-of-province treaty number, etc.)
  • Current resident of Ontario (or looking to return to Ontario and are experiencing homelessness or fleeing abuse)
  • Experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, fleeing abuse or in an unstable housing situation
  • Be a low-income household (to be assessed by Intake Coordinator & Case Coordinator)

Get Housed, Stay Housed Workshop

Available to anyone, regardless of MNO citizenship

Get Housed, Stay Housed provides renter education, a service facilitated by the MNO Housing Stabilization Program. It is way for individuals and families to increase their skills and knowledge for successful tenancies and opens doors to long-term housing stability

This service will be delivered in a virtual format, scheduled at a time and pace that meets your needs. It is available for those looking for a one-on-one session or private group facilitation.

Some available topics include:

  • Budgeting Tips – How to Make the Rent
  • Knowing Your Rights – Understanding the Residential Tenancies Act
  • Landlord and Tenant Relationship Tips
  • Maintenance Matters – Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant
  • Navigating the Landlord and Tenant Board
  • Rental Tips and How to Avoid Scams
  • Digital Literacy for Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

If clients are comfortable and able, they are always encouraged to reach out directly to us either through our general email, housingstabilization@metisnation.org, or by phone, 1-800-263-4889 ext 350; however, if they would prefer a referral be made on their behalf, we typically ask that you send the referral to our general email and either cc the client or include a copy of a signed consent so we know the client is aware of the referral.

All financial supports related to rent or utilities are subject to an assessment of sustainability by the assigned case coordinator. This will involve the creation of a monthly budget showing your net monthly income (after tax deductions) and expenses. This budget must balance to zero or show a surplus of income to be considered sustainable.

We have limits to how much financial support clients can access within certain periods of time. Please reach out to your assigned case coordinator or our general line at housingstabilization@metisnation.org to discuss your specific situation.

No, the MNO Housing Stabilization Program does not own or operate housing, nor do we have sway over any social housing waitlists.

Due to capacity and funding restraints, we are unable to support financially with hotel/motel stays.

Due to funding directives, we are unable to assist with mortgage or property tax arrears; however, if you are a home owner we may be able to assist with utility arrears if you have a cut-off notice or have mortgage or property tax arrears in addition to your utility arrears.

Unfortunately, no. We can only pay past due amounts for rent or utilities except when supporting with first and/or last months’ rent.

Resources

Community Resources

Downloadable Resources:

• Budget Planner
• Things to Look for During a Viewing
• A Guide to the Standard Lease for Rental Housing
• Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement
• LTB N Forms Explained
• Top 5 Reasons You Need Tenant Insurance
• Get Housed, Stay Housed Info Sheet
• Sample Rent Receipt
• Housing Tips for Students
• Landlord & Tenant Relationships
• Tenant Insurance Info Sheet