People Support

The Strategic Community Initiatives Fund Granting Process is intended to contribute to the advancement of human services goals and priorities and/or provide specific support to low income households.

211 is a free, 24/7 hotline that helps people connect to community, social, health and government services in their communities. To support this work Community Connection/211 maintains a comprehensive database in partnership with the United Way of Bruce Grey, and the Counties of Bruce and Grey.

Resources available to assist with pursuing child and/or spousal support. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are closed to the public. Programs and services are open virtually with most services related to Ontario Works being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some in person service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call your nearest Bruce County office at the numbers below for any inquires or for more information. Walkerton: 519-881-0431 Kincardine: 519-396-2116 Port Elgin: 519-389-5580 Wiarton: 519-534-1286

Information about the various employment supports that are available. Supports include resources to secure employment and upgrading opportunities. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are closed to the public. Programs and services are open virtually with most services related to Ontario Works being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some in person service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call your nearest Bruce County office at the numbers below for any inquires or for more information. Walkerton: 519-881-0431 Kincardine: 519-396-2116 Port Elgin: 519-389-5580 Wiarton: 519-534-1286

Discretionary Benefits are provided to recipients of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Plan who require financial assistance to purchase health related items. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are closed to the public. Programs and services are open virtually with most services related to Ontario Works being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some in person service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call your nearest Bruce County office at the numbers below for any inquires or for more information. Walkerton: 519-881-0431 Kincardine: 519-396-2116 Port Elgin: 519-389-5580 Wiarton: 519-534-1286

The Income Support program is designed to assist Ontario families with financial assistance when faced with unemployment, being under employed or a health issue prevents employment. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are closed to the public. Programs and services are open virtually with most services related to Ontario Works being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some in person service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call your nearest Bruce County office at the numbers below for any inquires or for more information. Walkerton: 519-881-0431 Kincardine: 519-396-2116 Port Elgin: 519-389-5580 Wiarton: 519-534-1286

Bruce County Housing Corporation owns and manages over 600 social housing units across Bruce County. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are now closed to the public. Programs and services will continue virtually with most services being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Bruce County Housing Services office at 519-396-3450 for any inquiries or for more information. Please Note: All playgrounds and play structures at County owned buildings have been reopened.

Find eligibility requirements, contact information and other details about the Bruce County Rent Supplement Program. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are now closed to the public. Programs and services will continue virtually with most services being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Bruce County Housing Services office at 519-396-3450 for any inquiries or for more information.

The Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) aims to prevent, address and reduce homelessness by improving access to adequate, suitable and affordable housing that is linked to flexible support services based on peoples’ needs. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are now closed to the public. Programs and services will continue virtually with most services being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Bruce County Housing Services office at 1-800-265-3005 for any inquiries or for more information.

The Early Learning Coordination (ELC) program enhances quality and builds capacity within Licensed Child Care Programs in Bruce County. Bruce County’s Early Learning Coordinator collaborates, mentors, and supports educators in the child care and early learning community. With the collaboration of Bruce County’s Children’s Services team this capacity role supports the implementation of the Quality Scan Tool (QST) and coordinates professional learning opportunities. These opportunities provide a platform in which educators can reflect on their current practices to enhance and align with Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years ‘How does Learning Happen?”

The Special Needs Resource Program supports the inclusion of children with special needs in Bruce County licensed child care setting, EarlyON programs, and authorized camps, children’s recreation and skill building programs. COVID-19 Announcement: During the Provincial lockdown period, Bruce County Resource Teachers will be reaching out to families we serve on a regular basis to provide support, guidance and information about developmental activities for your child. Please feel free to contact us at 518-881-0431, toll free at 1-800-265-3005, or by email at childcare@brucecounty.on.ca.

Child Care Fee Subsidy provides financial assistance to eligible families for children in their care attending a Licensed Child Care Program or an Approved Bruce County Home Child Care Provider. COVID-19 Announcement: Please note that our offices are closed to the public, however, Child Care Caseworkers are available to assist families by phone and email. Please feel free to contact us at 518-881-0431, toll free at 1-800-265-3005, or by email at childcare@brucecounty.on.ca for information and support.