Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash.

Bruce County is providing a Municipal Housing Allowance that aims to enhance housing security and help vulnerable residents maintain their rental units. It intends to address affordability and will assist approximately 27 households that meet the income and guideline requirements.

The program offers an allowance of $590 per month, which will be paid directly to approved tenants. In a September 23 media release from Bruce County, rent supplements and housing allowances are government or municipally funded payments that attempts to bridge the gap between what an individual or family can afford to pay and what the actual cost of housing is. Bruce County’s Municipal Housing Allowance program is available until March of 2023 and may continue depending on funding.

“Housing Allowances are a practical way to provide affordable housing more rapidly, as the County continues to explore opportunities to build new affordable units," said Tania Dickson, Housing Services Manager with the County. "Bruce County’s rent supplement and housing allowance programs are a valuable resource for social assistance recipients, low-income earners, and seniors in our region," Dickson said.

To qualify for the Municipal Housing Allowance, applicants must:

• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, sponsored immigrant, or have refugee claimant status
• be at least 16 years of age
• have a household income at or below the most recent Household Income Limits (HILs) as this program is geared towards minimum wage earners
• be renting a unit and not own a house suitable for year-round occupancy

Anyone wishing to apply for Bruce County’s Municipal Housing Allowance can visit brucecounty.on.ca/ApplyForHousing.

Anyone with questions or in of assistance applying for the Municipal Housing Allowance can call a Housing Services Program Assistant at 1-877-396-3450.