Why is Rent Bank Funding Still Available?

Wolf Threatening Eviction? Help Available!

Unexpected expenses need not cause homelessness explains Hope Lee, Manager of Housing for City of Kawartha Lakes:

'Short-term arrears is the most common reason tenants lose their apartments and end up in shelters,' says City of Kawartha Lakes Manager of Housing Hope Lee. 'Rent Bank funding can help prevent eviction of residents with low incomes.'

Why Does City of Kawartha Lakes Still Have Rent Bank Funding Available?

The Provincial Rent Bank program is administered by the province’s 47 municipal service managers . Each municipality determines client eligibility and approves applications for assistance. In many areas, demand for the program exceeds the available supply of dollars. However, the 2012 Rent Bank budget for City of Kawartha Lakes still has funds available. What could be the reason behind this? Are there no people needing the funding? Is it lack of knowledge of the program? Are the eligibility requirements not meeting the needs of those who require help? Are the purse strings held tighter in City of Kawartha Lakes?

City of Kawartha Lakes Homeless?

Yes, there are people in City of Kawartha Lakes who are homeless, and under housed. Some people make their way to ''A Place Called Home' , while others couch surf in friends' homes, or have their entire famiy share a room in an apartment that houses several families. There is definitely a need for housing solutions in City of Kawartha Lakes.

Peterborough vs Kawartha Lakes Rent Bank Funding Parameters

Peterborough Rent Bank Funding Parameters are as follows:

Low income tenants in Peterborough City and County who do NOT live in rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing and owe rent arrears to their landlord may apply to the Rent Bank.

• A maximum of two (2) months rent arrears can be considered.
• Assistance is available once in a two-(2) year period.
• Assistance is available for rent arrears only. Last month's rent, money owing for damages to a unit or Landlord Tenant Board or Sheriff's fees cannot be considered.

City of Kawartha Lakes Rent Bank Parameters are as follows:

City of Kawartha Lakes or the County of Haliburton residents facing eviction with interest free loans, the program only provides relief to those with a steady income and a landlord who is willing to be involved in the process.
.The maximum loan amounts are as shown in the tables below:

                                    Apartment

Size of Rental Unit	Max. Loan
Bachelor	$1,138
1 Bedroom	$1,592
2 Bedroom	$1,916
3 Bedroom +	$2,236

House

Size of Rental Unit	Max. Loan
1 Bedroom	$1,256
2 Bedroom +	$2,100

'We encourage people to contact us if they are in arrears to see if they are eligible for the program,' says Lee.

For further information, please contact:
Michelle Corley
Affordable Housing Programs Coordinator
705-324-6401 x 3103
mcorley@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca_

With these parameters it is little wonder that the Rent Bank program still has funds available. If however, you do qualify, you can apply for an interest free short term loan by piccking up an Application for the Provincial Rent Bank Program at the City of Kawartha Lakes Social Services office at 322 Kent St. W. in Lindsay or downloading it online at www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca under the Housing section.
Sources: Peterborough Rent Bank Information :Housing Peterbrough - Emergency Funds