Housing Help is a "one-stop" housing information and assistance
agency. From simple tenancy questions to the crisis of homelessness,
Housing Help's staff work with clients to solve a wide range of
tenant and landlord issues.
Who We Serve...
Our services are available to Ottawa residents. The large majority
of our clients are low-income tenants and people who are homeless.
The people who use our services include families, couples and single
people.
Services We Provide...
Self-help Housing Search Facilities
This includes a work station with our listing of private market
rental vacancies, telephones, newspapers and information on nonprofit,
co-operative and supportive housing options.
Housing Information
Staff provide information on tenants' rights and responsibilities
and on housing and emergency resources in the community.
Casework Advocacy and Assistance
Clients in housing crisis work with a caseworker to resolve their
housing difficulties. Often caseworkers will link clients to other
community services in order to assist them tofind and keep their
housing.
Off-site Services
Caseworkers go to specific agencies and drop-ins on a regular basis
to provide services for clients in crisis situations.
Community Activities
Housing Help works collaboratively with other agencies on community
initiatives aimed at addressing housing problems. We are active
in the Alliance to End Homelessness, the Rooming House Information
Exchange Network, the Social Housing Registry and the Social Housing
Network.
Facts About Us...
An Ontario First:
Started
as a community program of the Somerset West Community Health Centre
in 1985. Housing conditions and tenancy problems had been identified
as critical local issues.
Incorporated
and expanded in 1990, to serve all of the City of Ottawa.
As
the first housing resource centre in Ontario, our effective service
model was used as a template for similar agencies throughout Ontario.
Our Logo:
Developed
in 1990 by a professional graphic artist who was a client of Housing
Help.
Represents
our agency's role in helping to unlock barriers to housing.
Staffing:
A
committed, caring and knowledgeable staff.
Core
staff include: Executive Director, Caseworkers, Vacancy Worker and
Support Staff.
Contract
staff work on special projects as funding is available.
Volunteers
and students are valued assets to our operations.
Corporate Structure:
Non-profit
organization with a voluntary board of directors.
Registered
charitable status.
Funded by:
City
of Ottawa.
For
more inforation on our services or how you can help,
contact Trudy Sutton, Executive Director, 563-4532.
