Types of subsidized housing
Co-operatives: Tenants are members of the co-op community they live in and are required to help maintain it.
Non-Profit: These properties are owned by service clubs, faith groups, ethnic organizations, community agencies or municipal governments.
Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation: These properties are managed by Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation and are subsidized.
How vacancies are filled
Vacancies are filled depending on your situation. Below is the criteria for the following priority categories:
Victims of Domestic Violence and/or Human Trafficking: Someone in the household is a victim of abuse and/or survivor of human trafficking, who has lived with the abuser in the last 3 months. A victim of trafficking must currently be trafficked or have exited trafficking in the last 3 months.
Urgent Homeless: A household or individual experiencing homelessness must complete a Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) with the Homelessness Prevention Team or Wiidookadaadiwin Ozhi with an Indigenous Housing Support Worker, to determine if they qualify.
Overhoused: A household currently receiving a subsidy in a unit with more bedrooms than they require and must move to a smaller unit.
Standard Application: Applicants who do not meet the criteria for a priority category will fit into this category.
Eligibility for Housing Assistance
Anyone who meets the following criteria may apply for subsidized housing:
- At least one member in your household must be 16 or older and be able to live independently with or without support services.
- Household members must be Canadian Citizens, Landed Immigrants, or have Refugee Claimant Status, with no deportation or exclusion order.
- Must have no arrears owing to any social housing provider, or have misrepresented your household income.
- If you own a home or any other real estate suitable for year-round occupancy, you must agree to sell it within 180 days of receiving subsidy.
- Subsidized tenants are required to pursue all possible sources of income they may be eligible for.
- Your gross yearly household income doesn't exceed the limit (see below).
| Unit Type | Household Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Bachelor | $29,500.00 |
| 1 Bedroom | $38,500.00 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $46,500.00 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $52,500.00 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $61,000.00 |
*Household income limits effective January 2024.
Apply for subsidized Housing
The Sault Ste. Marie Social Housing Application Centre processes applications and is responsible for forwarding applications to selected providers.
- Download the application here.
- Pick-up in person at 548 Albert St. E.
- Apply online at https://www.socialhousingapplication.com/
We are available to help during operating hours. You can ask for assistance by calling (705) 946-2077 or e-mailing ssmhc@socialservices-ssmd.ca.
Completed applications can be submitted by:
- Email to registry@socialservices-ssmd.ca (preferred)
- In-person at our office or after hours via secure drop box.
Documents you submit with your application should be copies of originals. We can help you obtain copies, but aren't responsible for lost/missing documents.
Tenant Rights & Responsibilities
Tenants residing in a subsidized unit are protected by the Landlord and Tenant Board, a provincial agency, under the Residential Tenancies Act, (2011).
All households in receipt of a subsidy have responsibilities outlined in the Housing Services Act) and are explained in detail during the move-in process.