Housing Services seeks help from landlords during COVID-19 with new Rapid Re-Housing Program
The municipality of Kawartha Lakes is looking to partner with landlords who own apartments in Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton to help end homelessness during COVID-19. During the pandemic, the most vulnerable are at an even higher risk and the City is looking to landlords to help house homeless community members. There is a high demand for bachelor or one bedroom units.
As of April 15, between the City of Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton there are close to 100 people who are actively homeless. The majority are single, and there are nearly 20 families and several seniors, youth and couples.
What the City of Kawartha Lakes and County of Haliburton will provide landlords:
Funding to help prepare the unit for move-in
Prioritized COVID-19 screening prior to move-in, daily screening post-move-in
Tenant choice
Last months rent guarantee
Three months of pre-paid rent
Ongoing tenant affordability – Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit, or another similar housing benefit going forward
Landlord support contact through Affordable Housing Program Coordinator, who will regularly check-in to see how the tenancy is doing, and who can help find resources to maintain the tenancy if problems arise
Tenants are prioritized to take the Rent Smart tenant education program later in 2020
The City and County’s goal is securing stable, permanent housing and to meet the needs of our landlord partners who provide the accommodations. Supports are provided to both landlord and tenant so everyone can get ahead. Whether you have a vacant unit or have one coming available soon, together we can help end homelessness during this pandemic. For more details and to complete our online form, please visit kawarthalakes.ca/housing/.
For more information, please contact:
Elise Karklins – Affordable Housing Program Coordinator
705-324-9870 extension 3105
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