RENT SUPPLEMENT. NRH Website. Occupational Health and Safety. A publication for Rent Supplement Tenants. Spring 2010

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1 RENT SUPPLEMENT Review A publication for Rent Supplement Tenants Spring 2010 NRH Website Please visit our website at for information on the rent supplement program and for general interest items. Rent supplement information can be found under the Tenants tab. Occupational Health and Safety Bill 168, an amendment to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), became effective June 15, The Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario s Developing Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies and Programs toolbox has information to ensure compliance. Go to wvps_toolbox.pdf. Inside this Issue Contact us Rent Supplement Analyst Home Ownership Program Dr. Albert Rose Bursary Program Distress Centre Safety & Security Tips Living Smart Emergency Planning & Preperation Commonly Called Numbers Health Bus Spring & Summer Schedule If there are any specific issues or topics that you would like to see in future publications, please forward your suggestions or comments to: Margaret Smith, Rent Supplement Coordinator 2201 St. David s Road Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 Or by margaret.smith@niagararegion.ca

2 Niagara Regional Housing Rent Supplement Review NRH NEWS Rent Supplement Analyst We are pleased to welcome a new staff member to the Rent Supplement Team. Michelle Mellen, Rent Supplement Analyst, is now your contact for rent supplement issues such as: Ongoing eligibility for rent-geared-to-income subsidy Calculation of rent-geared-to-income rent Additions or deletions to households Changes of income Feel free to contact Michelle Mellen at: (905) ext or michelle.mellen@niagararegion.ca Homeownership Program Niagara Regional Housing has received additional funding from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program to make home ownership affordable for former renters. Funding for 50 homes have been allocated through this program. The purpose of this program is to make home ownership a reality for low income families in Niagara. The program will provide down payment assistance for future homebuyers through a 5% forgivable loan to a maximum of $10, The program will ease the demand for rental housing by assisting renter households in the purchase of affordable housing. As of May 28, 2010, all 50 allocations under the Welcome Home Niagara extension program have been committed. Any applications received after this date will be placed on a waiting list for future funding. If you have any questions please contact Brenda Dodridge at x Dr. Albert Rose Bursary The Dr. Albert Rose Bursary Program is offered to students who are tenants in rent-geared-toincome housing. Bursaries will be available to tenants graduating from high school in 2010 intending to enrol in a fulltime post secondary education program (1st or 2nd year). Bursaries are available to a maximum of $3000 annually. There will also be annual awards available to tenants planning to enrol in short-term academic, trade or skill- based training. These awards reach a maximum of $1000 each. Mature students can also apply for the bursary. The amount of the awarded bursary will depend on the number of qualified applicants. Applications are available online at For further information and assistance, please contact your Community Programs Coordinator (CPC) at , ext and Page 2

3 Niagara Regional Housing Spring 2010 HEALTH & SAFETY Distress Centre Niagara Agencies that partner with the Distress Centre Niagara are: United Way, Canadian Mental Health Association, Living Works, Centre for Suicide Prevention, 211, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Niagara Victim Crisis Support. They: Provide: Respect: Help: Listen: emotional support, crisis intervention and suicide prevention by telephone to individuals of all ages who may be experiencing personal, family or other difficulties; people s ability to make their own decisions on issues that affect their lives while providing them support and time; callers who are depressed, lonely or feeling overwhelmed; to callers as they sort out feelings and problems, giving them hope and strength to cope. Distress Centre Phone Numbers for Your Area: St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Area Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Area Fort Erie and Area Grimsby, West Lincoln and Area Distress Centre Niagara P.O. Box St. Catharines, ON L2T 4C1 Safety & Security Tips There is a gang initiation reported by the local police department where gangs place a car seat by the road with a fake baby in it. When a woman checks on the baby, the gang attacks her. The location of this car seat is usually beside a wooded or grassy area. Do not stop. Dial and tell the police. If you are driving at night and eggs are thrown at your windshield, do not spray water and use the windshield wiper. Eggs mixed with water become milky and block your vision. This will force you to stop beside the road and you may be robbed. For more information please see web site at: Page 3

4 Niagara Regional Housing Rent Supplement Review Living Smart An important part of our long-term health depends on how we live day by day. By eating well and staying physically and socially active, we can maintain good health. Eat Well Stay Active Following Canada s Food Guide can help us eat healthy. It is a common sense approach to eating properly. Talk to a health professional to learn more or visit Regular exercise is a great habit at any age. It is one of the best ways to stay trim and it s good for the body and the mind. It s never too late to start, but know your limits. Many problems don t require medication. Here are some simple, easy suggestions: Can t Sleep? Stressed Out? Have a Cold? Get fresh air and exercise during the day Soak in a hot tub this can relax you Talk things over with a friend Listen to relaxing music Get some exercise Rest & drink fluids Use a vaporizer Emergency Planning & Preparation Canada has extreme weather conditions. Canadians can learn how to protect their family against emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, and snow storms. Make a Family Emergency Plan A family emergency plan will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency. Every Canadian needs an emergency plan. When making a plan you will need to think about the following: Safe exits from the home and neighbourhood Meeting places to reunite with family or roommates Assigned person to pick up children should you be unavailable Contact persons close by and out of town Health information Place for your pet to stay Page 4

5 Niagara Regional Housing Spring 2010 Illegal Activity Be a good neighbour - If you see anyone engaging in illegal activity, please Niagara Regional Police at (905) or Crime Stoppers at Know the location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box, gas valve and floor drain Basic Emergency Kit You may have some of these basic emergency kit items already, such as a flashlight, battery operated radio, food, water and blankets. The key is to make sure they are organized, easy to find and easy to carry (in a suitcase with wheels or in a backpack) in case you need to evacuate your home. Whatever you do, don t wait for a disaster to happen. Easy to Carry Think of ways that you can pack your emergency kit, so that you, and those on your emergency plan can easily take the items with you. Below is a list of some suggested items for your kit. SOUP Flashlight and batteries Radios and batteries or crank radio Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight) First-aid kit Telephone that can work during a power disruption Candles and matches/lighter Extra car keys and cash Important papers (identification) Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat items that do not require refrigeration) Manual can opener Bottled water (4 litres per person per day, for drinking, cooking and washing) Clothing and footware Blankets or sleeping bag Toilet paper and other personal items Medication Backpack/duffle bag Whistle (to attract attention if needed) More information and additional tips on Emergency Preparedness is available at: Page 5

6 Niagara Regional Housing Rent Supplement Review Your chart will be kept private. (Confidential and FREE.) You do not need a Health Card. HEALTH BUS SPRING & SUMMER SCHEDULE April 1 to October 29, 2010 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Niagara Falls (day) Welland (day) Port Colborne (day) Beamsville (afternoon) St. Catharines (morning) 9 : 0 0 a.m : 0 0 p.m. 9 :00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 9 :00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:0 0 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 9:0 0 a.m. 1 2 : 0 0 p.m. PROJECT SHARE WELLAND PUBLIC HEALTH PORT CARES BEAMSVILLE COMMUNITY CARE ST.CATHARINES HOUSING HELP 4129 Stanley Ave, Unit 2 Niagara Falls Elaine Harvey Division St. Welland Charlotte St. at the Early Years Centre entrance Port Colborne Linda Reinhart Central Ave. Beamsville Cheryl Scott North Street. St. Catharines Catherine Livingston :00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4 :00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4 :00 p.m. St. Catharines (evening) 4:30 p.m. 7: 3 0 p.m. Fort Erie (afternoon) 1:00 p.m. 3: 3 0 p.m. PROJECT SHARE WELLAND PUBLIC HEALTH PORT CARES SOUTHRIDGE COMMUNITY CHURCH/SHELTER SALVATION ARMY 4129 Stanley Ave, Unit 2 Niagara Falls Elaine Harvey Division St. Welland Charlotte St. at the Early Years Centre entrance Port Colborne Linda Reinhart Glenridge Ave. St. Catharines Drew Toth Gilmore Rd. Fort. Erie Greg Warkentin The schedule might change. For information call Public Health : ext or ** DENTAL SERVICES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. Page 6

7 Niagara Regional Housing Spring 2010 Commonly Called Numbers Career Opportunities myhr Employee Service Centre Freedom of Information Freedom of Information Coordinator: ext Information and Privacy Analyst: ext Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Personal Health Information Protection Act requests Niagara Specialized Transit or ext. 231 or 244; Teletypewriter for hearing impaired (TTY): Waste Management Info-Line: or information on garbage, recycling, Green Bin, leaf and yard waste, waste, environment days Water and Wastewater Info-Line: watermain or sewer line breaks; low water pressure; RV septic waste; sewage haulers questions; Regional facility complaints - odours, noise Development Services or ext Regional Policy Plan amendment applications; connections to Regional services; private sewage system permits Transportation Services 24 Hour Dispatch or Public Health The Health Connection Line: or Child Car Seat Line: ext car seat safety, troubleshooting Dental Health Line: ext dental programs and services Health Bus Line: ext mobile clinic schedule Pandemic Info Line: ext personal preparedness; the Niagara Parent Talk Info Line: ext information on pregnancy, parenting, breastfeeding, partum depression, child care and Ontario Early Years Centres Tobacco Hotline: ext health risks; ways to quit; laws Travel Health Niagara: ext Travel safety and Health Clinic info St. Catharines Sexual Health Centre: or Children s Services St. Catharines Regional Child Care Centre: Licensed Regional Home Child Care: or ext Child Care and Special Needs: or ext supports and services Recreation/Cultural Activities: (ProKids) or ext Social Assistance General Application/Inquiries: or St. Catharines Social Assistance: Seniors Services Seniors Community Programs: information on services for seniors living in the community (adult day service, client intervention and assistance, supportive housing, respite services, caregiver education) Long-Term Care Homes: ext 3806 information on long-term care homes operated by Niagara Region Community Care Access Centre (CCAC): information on admission to long- term care homes Other Inquiries Niagara Region Information: or Teletypewriter for hearing impaired (TTY): or Page 7

8 Niagara Regional Housing 2201 St. David s Road Thorold, ON L2V 3Z3