The Province has announced a new program called ROOF (Rental Opportunity for Ontario Families). The ROOF program is a $100 allowance per month that is paid directly to low income working families (those with children and net incomes below $20,000) to assist with either private market or social housing rent.

Starting January 2008, the Province will provide these housing allowances to eligible families for a maximum of 5 years. Families may be eligible if they:

• have employment income
• are a renter household
• have one or more dependent children under the age of 18
• pay more than 30% of income on rent
• are on, or eligible to be on the social housing waiting list
• are not receiving social assistance or other government shelter allowance.

The deadline for accessing this program is November 15, 2007. To be eligible, applicants must apply by this date.

For more information see the ROOF website. Applications must be made using original application forms provided by the Province. You can apply online or by phone at 1-888-544-5101 or at some community agencies.