Louise Jones

Big changes coming July 1, 2021!

The Ontario government has changed the legislation (Housing Services Act, 2011 – Ontario Regulation 316/19 Determination of Geared-to-income Rent under Section 50 of the Act) to simplify the rent-geared-to-income program.

What does this mean for our tenants? 

• Less paperwork to hand in each year – watch for new annual household review packages in the mail
• Rent charges remain the same for 12 months making it easier to budget
• Mid-year changes in your rent are allowed only in certain situations and only once per year
• You must file your tax return each year to remain eligible for subsidy
• Changes in your household income or occupancy still must be reported within 30 days but may not affect your rent calculation until your lease renewal
• Income for all full-time students is exempt
• Child support income is now exempt

Between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, all households will have their RGI calculation reviewed using the new rules.  You will be required to submit your most recent Notice of Assessment or Proof of Income Statement. Both are available online or call the Canada Revenue Agency to have a copy mailed to you – 1-800-267-6999 or log in to My Account on the CRA website.

Questions?  Please call your PMA, either Clair ext. 113 or Kyra ext. 116.  They are here to help you!

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Residents of Norfolk County call 519-426-7792

Residents of Haldimand County call 1-800-265-2819

HNHC’s biannual newsletter, The Porchlight was mailed to our residents on May 18, 2021.

The Spring/Summer 2021 Porchlight included the newsletter and two inserts; a tenant resource document with contact information for organizations who support our community, and a Tenant Information Sheet (apartment version and family home version).

To see pdf’s of these documents, please see click below

The Porchlight, Spring/Summer 2021

Tenant Resources

Tenant Information Sheet – Apartments

Tenant Information Sheet – Family Homes

Our property management team has been hard at work this Spring updating many of the common rooms and common areas in our apartment buildings.  This means new flooring, new lighting fixtures, new paint, and other upgrades.  New furniture is also on the way !

Below are some pictures of the great work that’s already been completed.  We can’t wait for the furniture to arrive!

Local Heroes

(Not all heroes wear capes)  

Through the collaboration of the HN Health Unit, the Norfolk County Paramedicine Program,
and HNHC, local paramedics are conducting COVID-19 vaccination clinics for our
residents, building-by-building.  

“The program has been very successful,” reported Property Manager, Todd Smith, “by visiting the building first to set
appointments and answer any questions residents may have, they’ve reported almost 100% attendance.
Through coordination with the Health Unit, the paramedic team is able to contact individuals on the waitlist
to use up any leftover doses which means no wasted vaccine.” 

Way to Go!

HNHC is grateful to all of our community partners who have assisted our residents in many ways over
the last year and continue their steadfast support.  

The Community Pandemic Program is now rolling out vaccinations for residents of our Seniors’ Buildings.

Vaccinations were held March 23rd and 25th at two buildings and the Program Coordinator plans two more buildings next week if supplies hold up.  This is great news for our seniors, many of whom are feeling the effects of isolation.

HNHC would like to thank our community partners at the Health Unit who are coordinating these services for our senior residents!

Posted January 12, 2021

Today, the Ontario government declared a second provincial emergency along with additional restrictions, effective immediately for at least 28 days. This comes as the number of COVID-19 cases has doubled in the past two weeks, severely threatening the capacity of the healthcare system.

New measures include:
• Stay-at-home order as of Thursday, January 14 at 12:01 am (aside from essential purposes e.g., groceries, medical appointments)
• Extended school closures in hotspots until February 10, with emergency childcare available for eligible families
• Outdoor gatherings limited to five people, with limited exceptions
• Mandatory masks in all indoor spaces and strongly recommended outdoors
• Non-essential stores limited to operation between 7 am and 8 pm
• Non-essential construction further restricted
• Increased inspection and enforcement measures, including in workplaces

What does this mean at HNHC and for our residents?

• Our office will continue to be closed to the public.  Residents are encouraged to use our website to submit maintenance requests and other communications or to email us at hnhc@hnhousing.ca
• With the additional restrictions, we are limiting the number of staff working at our office.  Some staff will be rotating work schedules or working from home.  Residents calling in are asked to leave a message on the extension of the staff member they are trying to reach; staff working from home will be checking their mailbox frequently and will call you back, we thank you in advance for your patience.
• During the state of emergency maintenance repairs will be limited to emergencies and life safety.  Please submit your maintenance requests, but please understand that non-essential repairs will be held until the restrictions are lifted.  You can submit your maintenance requests here, or by emailing maint@hnhousing.ca
• Common rooms at our buildings will remain closed for your safety.  When leaving your apartment, please wear a mask, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently and do not congregate in the hallways or outside.  These measures are important and could save your life or the life of your neighbour.

As part of the Safe Restart Agreement, the federal government is funding a temporary income support program that allows workers to take up to 10 days of leave related to COVID-19. Find more information about federal supports, including Employment Insurance, Canada Recovery Benefit, Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, and Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.

With the impacts of social isolation on mental health and well-being, residents are encouraged to visit the province’s COVID-19: Support for People website which has information about many free mental health services and supports.

We ask that all our residents take these restrictions and precautions seriously!

If you have any questions, please email your Property Manager:

Tricia Feist – tfeist@hnhousing.ca

Todd Smith – toddsmith@hnhousing.ca

Please stay safe and stay healthy!