Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – April 4, 2022 – What Services Does Halton Region Have in Place to Support Ukrainian Refugees?

Welcome to the Mayor’s Monday Mailbag, an initiative Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and the Mayor’s Office has launched to share weekly answers to questions from the public we’ve received through our main email inbox at mayor@burlington.ca or the Mayor’s social media platforms.At the end of the month, we’ll publish a roundup of those most pressing questions we’ve received in the weeks prior.Mayor’s Monday Mailbag – April 4, 2022QUESTION:“What kind of supports and services does the Region of Halton have in place to help Ukrainian refugees?”ANSWER:This resource list provides information on existing supports and services in Halton that may assist arriving refugees affected by the ongoing situation in Ukraine.Please note that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing new immigration streams for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily or permanently. A dedicated service channel for Ukrainian immigration enquiries is available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. Clients can add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form with their enquiry and it will be prioritized.Halton Community Services Directory:The Halton Community Services Directory (HCSD) provides access to information on a wide range of community and human services. Human services range from access to basic necessities of life to enhancement of personal and social growth.

• A separate webpage on Support for Ukraine and translation of information is available.
• Please contact any organization listed prior to visiting in person to receive the most current service information.

Halton Multicultural Council:Halton Multicultural Council (HMC Connections) is a community-based settlement agency that provides a variety of programs and services to immigrant and refugee communities including:

• Information, referral, orientation to Halton, Ontario and Canada
• Counselling
• English language classes
• Employment supports and specialized supports for highly skilled immigrants
• Adult, youth and senior groups and programs
• Transitional housing
• Crisis management for newcomers
• Career Accelerator Program for internationally trained health care professionals; and
• Interpretation and translation.

Employment and Financial Supports:Halton Region provides a range of employment and financial supports, including:

• Ontario Works: Ukrainian refugees who have not been sponsored to Canada who are residing in Halton may apply for Ontario Works assistance by applying online or by calling 311. If determined eligible for Ontario Works assistance, Ukrainian refugees can receive money to help with the costs of food, housing and health related items (e.g. prescription drugs). The amount of money provided depends on the family size as well as the family’s income, assets and housing costs.
• Employment Assistance: Through Employment Halton, anyone can access our virtual employment workshops 24/7 (available on our website) and/or sign up for our monthly calendar workshops through ca, see “News and Events”. In addition, Ukrainians with a work permit may receive assistance through Employment Halton to find a job. Employment Halton staff work one-on-one with residents to help them prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. We partner with organizations across the region to identify employment opportunities for qualified candidates.
• Subsidized Passes for Low Income Transit (SPLIT): Through the SPLIT program, Ukrainian refugees (regardless of sponsorship status) may apply for assistance with the cost of a bus pass or tickets in Burlington, Milton and Oakville or the cost to participate in the ActiVan or Taxi Scrip programs in Halton Hills.  If eligible, 50% of the transportation costs will be paid on the individual’s behalf.  Individuals may apply for assistance through the SPLIT program online or by calling 311.

Housing Supports and Services:Halton Region provides a range of housing supports and services, including:

• Halton Access to Community Housing (HATCH): Ukrainian refugees may apply to the HATCH wait list for subsidized housing in Halton, including the newcomers to Canada housing priority. Verification of employment or financial assistance income such as Ontario Works is required to be eligible on HATCH. Once on the HATCH wait list, potential housing allowance programs like the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) program may also be available to support these families. COHB provides permanent ongoing funding directly to eligible individuals and families to supplement their private market rents in Halton.
• Halton Housing Help: While Ukrainian refugees wait for permanent subsidized housing programs from the HATCH wait list, Halton Housing Help can assist them find suitable, affordable accommodations in Halton.
• Housing Stability Fund: The Housing Stability Fund can assist with the acquisition of basic furniture, beds moving costs, last month’s rent as well as other incidentals.
• Shelters: Halton Region also can provide family emergency shelter to individuals arriving at its shelter facility in Burlington. Safe, temporary rooms with in-suite amenities can be provided. On-site supportive services to help Ukrainian refugees acquire more permanent housing and access to social services and supports can also be provided while in the shelter program.

Child Care and Parental Supports:Halton Region provides child care and parental supports, including:

• Child Care Fee Subsidy: Ukrainian refugees living in Halton may be eligible for child care fee subsidy. The child care fee subsidy program helps families who qualify with the cost of child care for children who are 0-12 years of age. The subsidy is available to families who are attending school, working or have a referral for a medical or exception circumstance. Individuals may apply for child care fee subsidy, online at www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Children-and-Parenting/Need-Help-with-the-Cost-of-Child-Care or by calling 311.
• EarlyON Child and Family Centres: Ukrainian families can attend EarlyON Child and Family Centres to participate in programs, get some parenting support or connect with other parents/caregivers and their children. EarlyON Centres are for children aged 0-6 years and their parents/caregivers.
• Children's Developmental Services: For Ukrainian families who have children who are at developmental risk or have special needs, they can access multiple programs through Children’s Developmental Services. Referrals can be made with parent consent by calling 311.
  • Infant and Child Development Services: Supports children in their homes from birth to school entry with development of language, thinking/play, movement, social, and self care skills.
    • Services are available to babies born under 37 weeks; multiples (2 or more); traumatic birth or prenatal history; history of prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs; children not reaching their developmental milestones; children with diagnoses that may impact development; risk factors that may impact attachment with child.
  • Inclusion Services: Supports successful participation and skill development for children birth until age 12 attending licensed child, nursery school or licensed home child care.
  • Family and Community Behavioural Services: Supports families, caregivers and professionals who are caring for a child/youth age 2-21 who have a diagnosed developmental disability and /or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to understand a child’s behavior, build independence, self-regulation, successful relationships, hygiene and social skills.

RELATED LINKS:

• Mayor’s Mailbag – March 2022 Roundup – Private Tree Bylaw, Masks, & Accessible Parking in Older Buildings
• Mayor’s Mailbag – February 2022 Roundup – Virtual Meeting Participation, Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund, & Accommodating Growth in Halton
• Mayor’s Mailbag – January 2022 Roundup – Parks’ Upgrades, Windrows When Snow Clearing

—*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor’s Media and Digital Communications Specialist