The Housing Help Centre does not act as an agent for any party nor do we inspect the accommo- dations being offered.  It is the tenant's responsibility to ensure that the unit meets building and fire code regulations.  We suggest you phone your fire department in your area. 

WHAT IS THE HOUSING HELP CENTRE?

The Housing Help Centre maintains a housing registry to assist individuals in securing affordable accommodation that exists in the private rental market. The Centre is operated by the Affordable Housing Committee of York Region, a not-for-profit advocacy group made up of community volunteers and funded by the Regional Municipality of York.

WHO BENEFITS?

• Persons seeking all types of permanent rental accommodation, including rooms, bachelor apartments, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, townhouses and detached homes.

• Seekers who do not have the time or transportation to search the entire Region may find out about housing availability at one location by using the computer-linked registry.

• Landlords who list their units for rent with the Centre free of charge get free access to the hundreds of seekers who search for accommodation each year in York Region.

• Co-ops and non-profit housing providers can list their market-rent units free of charge

• Other community service providers save time and money through the daily use of our housing listings

• The entire community benefits from the advocacy, free information, and referral services offered by the Housing Help Centre

• The taxpayers, with our extensive use of community volunteers

HOW DO WE HELP PEOPLE?

We provide:

• A free housing service

• Direct link to the private housing market

• Individual consultation and advocacy

• Free government publications - Tenant Protection Act information

• A one-stop housing registry

• Free copies of the three local newspapers for up-to-date rental listings

• Listings of public, non-profit and co-operative housing

• Distribution of information on emergency shelters and assisted housing

HOW DOES SOMEONE USE THE HOUSING HELP CENTRE SERVICES ?

• Telephone the Housing Help Centre

• Come into the Centre and speak with a staff member

• Check our bulletin board of rental listings

• Check our copies of the local newspapers

• Use our telephone to book your appointments

MISSION STATEMENT

The Affordable Housing Committee has been advocating for adequate and affordable housing in York Region since 1986. We believe that all people have the RIGHT to adequate, integrated and affordable housing that is conducive to their dignity, health and well-being.

It is our belief that we share with the community and its elected representatives at all levels the responsibility to ensure that this occurs through public education, advocacy and proactive planning.

GOALS

• Identify existing barriers to adequate and affordable housing.

• Provide public education.

• Ensure affordable housing is included in land-use planning.

• Provide an informed and organized voice on behalf of all those who require adequate and affordable housing.

COMMUNITY ACTION

The Affordable Housing Committee of York Region also:

• Acts in advocacy of adequate housing for everyone

• Conducts community surveys on housing related issues

• Promotes public awareness and education through community forums and seminars

• Promotes meetings with other service providers and government departments

• Monitors local housing concerns and problems

• Lobbies for housing programs and policy improvements