Stratford (City of) - Social Services Department - Ontario Works

Social assistance program that provides employment assistance and financial support for basic needs

Financial Assistance - Income assistance for the cost of shelter and basic needs including food and clothing * also offers emergency assistance and discretionary benefits for special items of extreme need such as medical supplies (diabetic supplies, surgical supplies), medical travel and transportation, eye glasses, emergency dental, dentures, prosthetics and funerals

Employment Assistance - Supports to help people become and stay employed such as job search support, basic education, employment placement, skills training, community participation, participation in substance use recovery programs * financial assistance is provided to clients to cover certain related expenses such as bus transportation, child care and clothing * services provided by local Employment Resource Centres

Emergency Homelessness - People and families in need of emergency housing should contact the Ontario Works office during regular work hours * outside of normal business hours, contact Shelterlink at 519-272-2294