Overview
Many HAF applications result from a complex situation that results in an individual or household experiencing a housing crisis or repeated housing crisis. Addressing these needs often requires coordinated communication and planning from social service providers and long-term follow-up and assistance from multiple community referral agents and departments.
Housing NWT provides funding through community referral agents to assist individuals/households to address their crisis, or crises, related to homelessness and stable housing. In the circumstances where a community referral cannot be found, Housing NWT may consider self-referrals.
HAF can be accessed to address any of the following:
- Utility Arrears: HAF can be used to cover an applicant’s utility arrears if there are affecting their daily living situation. For example, HAF will be considered where circumstances where an applicant’s power or heating are being shut off because of arrears.
- Private Market Rental Arrears: HAF can be used to cover private market rental arrears if the payment of the arrears prevents eviction or guarantees another housing unit to the applicant. If the amount owing is more than $3,000, the applicant must provide proof of payment plan or other sources of support/financial assistance that will cover the remaining amount. This is to ensure that the applicant is able to remain securely housed.
- Damage Deposit and First Month’s Rent: HAF can be used to cover damage deposits and the first month’s rent if the applicant is guaranteed the housing unit after payment.
- Travel Assistance: HAF can be used to provide a one-time, one-way travel to a community in which the applicant has a guaranteed housing unit.
HAF cannot be used to cover internet or cell phone bills.
The funding may be used to secure housing within an individual’s community or to travel to a community in which they have guaranteed housing. Applicants can receive one-time assistance of up to $3,000, which is either:
- Paid directly to the private market rental company that is guaranteeing housing for the applicant.
- Paid directly to the company with which the applicant has the arrears.
- Paid directly to the airline for travel for the applicant.
HAF is not provided directly to the applicant.
Available Funding
The fund may cover eligible expenses up to a maximum of $3000.
Funding may be used for:
- Utility arrears: If arrears affect your daily living situation or could result in eviction
- Private market rental arrears: If payment of arrears prevents eviction
- Damage deposit and first month's rent: Once a lease is signed and you have a confirmed housing unit
- Travel assistance: One-time one-way travel to a community in which you have guaranteed housing
Funding may not be used for:
- Public housing arrears
- Hotel stays
- Continuous monthly rent
- Travel for vacation
- Household items or groceries.
Deadline
HAF is available on a year-round basis to NWT residents in all NWT communities.
Eligibility
Applications are assessed by a referral agent to determine if the applicant is in imminent danger of becoming homeless and that this funding will create a pathway out of homelessness.
Applicants must not:
- Have received HAF funding in the past
- Own a home
How to Apply
Applicants must work with a referral agent to apply for HAF. The referral agent acts as the liaison between Housing NWT and the applicant and assists with the application form.
To find a referral agent, please see the list below to find an agent in your community. If you are having difficulty finding an agent, please contact the Homelessness Specialist by emailing NWTHC_Homelessness@gov.nt.ca.
GNWT Referral Agents:
- Community Social Worker
- Adult Services Worker
- Community Wellness Worker
- Family Preservation Worker
- Family Community Social Worker
- Integrated Case Management Pathfinder
- Client Service Officer
- Government Service Officer
Non-GNWT Referral Agents:
- Community Social Worker
- Overnight/Day Shelter Caseworker/Supervisor
- Salvation Army Caseworker
- Community Outreach Worker
- Local Band/Government Office
- Family Member or Friend
Your referral agent will submit a completed application form to NWTHC_Homelessness@gov.nt.ca
In the circumstances where a community referral cannot be found, Housing NWT may consider self-referrals.
Related Links
Contact
Homelessness Programs Coordinator
1-833-966-2281
NWTHC_Homelessness@gov.nt.ca