"Housing Services" is housing made available with rent amounts which are geared to your income. It is also often referred to as "subsidized housing".

The Housing Services Program is intended for households with low to moderate incomes who are unable to find suitable, affordable housing in the private rent market.

NOTE: Affordable housing costs are considered to be no more than 30% of a household's gross monthly income.

There are three main types of Housing Service programs to choose from in Algoma:

 1. Subsidized Housing/ Rent-Geared-To-Income Housing

Rent amounts are determined by calculating 30% of a household's gross monthly income. . Subsidized Housing/Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing, is offered by 3 types of housing providers:

Non-Profit Housing
Units are owned and managed by a community based organization.

Public Housing
Units are owned and operated by Algoma District Administration Board (ADSAB).(Formerly known as Ontario Housing.)

Rent Supplement Housing
Units are owned and managed by private market landlords. A partnership with ADSAB and private landlords allow qualified persons to have rent geared to their income, while living in private rental units. Tenants pay a calculated rent amount to the landlord while ADS AB subsidizes the difference of the cost to the landlord.

 2. Direct Shelter Subsidy/Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program

This program offers eligible applicants rent-geared-to-income subsidy while living in privately owned buildings. ADSAB pays a shelter subsidy amount directly to the tenant, who is then responsible to pay the requested rent amount to the landlord.

The availability of government funds for this program is limited therefore, you may be required to wait until funds are available before you are advised of eligibility. You must complete a Housing Services Application and select the Direct Shelter Subsidy option, regardless of funding availability to ensure you are considered for placement on the Registry (wait list). When funding becomes available, you will be contacted by the ADSAB office.

You will be responsible to find suitable accommodations that adhere to ADSAB Local Occupancy Standards. You will also be required to complete and forward a monthly Confirmation of Situation Statement  which will verify rent has been paid and any changes to your circumstances.

 3. Rent Bank Program

The Rent Bank provides a one time interest free loan to assist low-income families who are facing eviction to cover up to two months worth of their rental arrears, to prevent homelessness. You do not need to be a recipient of the Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program to qualify, however you must not be currently receiving a Rent Geared to Income subsidy. Your request for assistance will be reviewed individually through an interview once your application is received.

To apply for the Rent Bank Program complete the Rent Bank Application Form and follow the basic instructions for applying listed on the application.

If you would like further information about this program, please contact your nearest ADSAB office.