United Way wants to keep people in their homes

Canadian $100 dollar bills are shown in this undated file image.

By borrowing housing costs now, you will pay it forward later.

The United Way of Simcoe Muskoka is launching a Home Relief Bank to prevent evictions and foreclosures by offering interest-free loans and support services to people at risk of losing their homes.

“The Home Relief Bank is a direct response to the growing housing crisis in our region and is rooted in our commitment to strengthen communities through innovative partnerships and targeted funding,” said Brian Shelley, Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer with United Way Simcoe Muskoka.

According to the 2021 Canadian Census, 131,870 people in the Simcoe Muskoka area reside in unaffordable housing.

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A short-term financial crisis, such as a relationship breakdown, job loss, or health issues, can put renters and homeowners in financial jeopardy.

“Our goal is to empower individuals and families to regain stability and prevent them from falling into the cycle of homelessness,” Shelley said.

The program will provide financial assistance and connect people with additional resources to help them achieve long-term housing stability.

“The Home Relief Bank is more than just a financial safety net,” said the United Way’s CAO, Sharon McCormick.

“It’s a holistic approach to housing stability that offers not only financial assistance but also the necessary support services to help folks navigate through challenging times. Repayments are reinvested into the program, meaning that households who may never have thought they would be in a position to help others can pay it forward.” 

The pilot program will be reevaluated for feasibility over three years to establish a sustainable model that can be expanded across Simcoe County, the District of Muskoka, and the Blue Mountains.

For more information on the Home Relief Bank, contact Sharon McCormick. 

Housing statistics for Simcoe Muskoka:

• It is estimated that 883 individuals are experiencing homelessness across Simcoe Muskoka (County of Simcoe and Muskoka Community Foundation Vital Signs Report) 
• Ontario’s mortgage delinquency rate was .15% in Q1 2024, up from .10% in 2023. (CMHC)
• Last year, 37,690 households were evicted for non-payment of rent in Ontario; this is a 20% increase over the previous year. (Tribunals Ontario 2022-2023 Annual Report)