Services for Basic Needs - Income, Shelter and Food
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Lambton County Social Services
Lambton County Social Services is available to provide the initial point of contact for income support assistance to persons in need to cover the costs of food, shelter, basic needs and referrals to all other Social Services as required. Lambton County – Social Services is open by appointment only, by telephone or by email. For inquires please call – 519-344-2062 or email socialservices@county-lambton.on.ca.
- Those requiring income supports that are not currently on assistance are asked to apply online at www.ontario.ca/socialassistance or contact the Ontario Works intake line at 519-344-2062.
- Those already on assistance should connect with their Caseworker by phone at 519-344-2062 if you need assistance or have questions.
Income Reporting and Payments
- Ontario Works recipients are required to report income on a monthly basis, along with any changes to their income, address, contact information or family size.
- Our preferred method of contact to report income and provide updates is through MyBenefits, phone, text or email.
- If required, you can still drop off income reporting statements or other documents in the silver drop box outside the main entrance on Lochiel St.
- To avoid delays in receiving payments, notify your caseworker about any changes to your address or banking information immediately.
- If you do not have direct bank deposit, contact your caseworker to have direct bank deposit or a reloadable payment card set up for your payments.
Aamjiwnaang First Nations Social Services
Kettle & Stony Point First Nations Social Services
Walpole Island First Nations Social Services
Inn of the Good Shepard
519-344-1746
115 John St
Sarnia, N7T 2Z1
8:30am – 3:30pm, staff available until 4:30pm
Emergency Shelters and Programs
- The Good Shepherd’s Lodge - 519-344-1679, operating and providing shelter 24/7 (for adults/families).
- The Haven – 519-336-5941, operating and providing shelter 24/7 (for youth) We have an overflow program available when The Lodge or The Haven is full.
- Food Bank – open Monday - Friday from 9:30am –11:15am each morning, where individuals can choose their own items through a grocery-store model.
- Soup Kitchen – hot meals are served via take-out, every day of the week, Monday – Friday lunch is served from 1:00pm-2:00pm Saturday & Sunday dinner is served from 4:30pm – 5:30pm.
- Genesis – open every Tuesday from 1:00pm – 2:00pm, We are not currently receiving donations other than winter wear.
- RedPath – currently running with virtual sessions Tuesday & Thursday, afternoon and evening sessions available.
- Rent/Utility Bank – call-in supports available, including over-the-phone intakes.
- Income Taxes – currently accepting new drop-offs at John St. location and preparing for new tax season, will be running clinics both attended and for drop-off 3 Updated 21/01/2021.
- Birthday Club – available for households needing support in providing for a child’s birthday.
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Lambton County Food Banks
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Aamjiwnaang First Nation
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1300 Tashmoo Avenue
519-332-6770
- Monday 9 a.m. - noon
- Thursday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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Brooke Alvinston
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3236 River Rd.
519-898-2173
- Wednesday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Corunna
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St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Community Food Bank - 437 Colborne Drive
519-862-3641
- Every other Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
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Forest
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Contact House Food Band - 6276 Townsend Line
519-786-5692
- Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
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Lambton Public Health - Garden Fresh Box
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- Restricted access to the public at 160 Exmouth St., Point Edward by appointment only. Petrolia and Forest offices are closed. Contact 519-383-8331 or toll-free 1-800-667-1839
- Garden Fresh Box is a monthly food buying program for fresh fruit and vegetables in a variety of sizes to fit your family's needs ($5 fruit or veggie bag, $10 single box or $15 family box). Cash only orders are placed by the first Friday of the month at the sites listed below. You pick up your order at the same site the third Wednesday or Thursday of the month. Contact 519-383-8331 ext. 3111.
Here are the sites that people can order and pick up (in a safe manner) the Garden Fresh Box:
- West Lambton Community Health Centre (Sarnia)
- Central Lambton Family Health Team (Petrolia)
- Sarnia Produce (Point Edward)
- North Lambton Community Health Centre (Forest) - they cover Watford, Thedford and Kettle & Stony Point
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Oil Springs
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Oil Heritage Family Church - 2554 Elizabeth Street
519-834-2984
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Petrolia
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4156 Petrolia Line
519-882-3950
- Mondays 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
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River City Vineyard Food Bank
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260 Mitton Street N
519-383-8463
- Open daily 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
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Salvation Army
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519-344-1142
Emergency shelter, rent and utility will be open but food bank will be closed due to restructuring.
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St. Vincent DePaul Sarnia-Lambton
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Currently only open to clients one day per week on Fridays,
Call for an appointment at 519-337-1058 or email stvincefb@gmail.com.
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Watford
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Watford United Church - 555 Ontario St
519-876-2837
- Wednesday at 11 a.m. - noon
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Transportation
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Lambton Elderly Outreach
Remains open but some programs and services will be affected. Current clients receiving services will be contacted if those services are impacted.
519-845-1353
- Transportation including non-urgent stretcher van
- Will be taking on essential transportation from Red Cross including dialysis, Homeward Bound, etc.
- Meals on Wheels frozen meals delivery
- Home Support
- Personal Support Worker care, meal prep
- Respite
- Light housekeeping (vulnerable clients)
- Grocery Shopping
- Crisis Intervention
- Social Worker services
- Abuse, eviction, Power of Attorney issues, hoarding, etc.
- Retirement Home Support Program
- Hospital discharges, including wrap-around support
Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre
519- 344-6164
- Assisting Indigenous clients with transportation, grocery food cards.
- Offering: RedPath for Addictions, Youth and Living without Violence programs.
- Programs are offered virtually with online events and zoom meetings.
Canadian Red Cross
519-332-6380
www.redcross.ca
A volunteer based, community organization offering a range of humanitarian and emergency services.
Local community programs include: Transportation, Meals on Wheels, Nutritional Networking, Homeward Bound, Emergency Management and RespectED (Violence Prevention Program). Offer courses on First Aid and CPR, Swimming and Water Safety.
- Meals on Wheels: Affordable, nutritious meals are delivered to members of the community who are unable to prepare their own food. Seniors, convalescent, and chronically ill individuals may benefit from this program. Hot meals are offered Monday through Friday. Volunteers deliver the meals during the hours of 10:30 to 1 p.m. Frozen meals are delivered once per week on Tuesdays.
- Transportation: Provides transportation for the frail, elderly and disabled in the community. During COVID, transportation is being provided for medical appointments only. Out of town transportation to medical appointments only with destinations along the London-Windsor corridor.
- Homeward Bound: This program provides services to eligible seniors, who due to lack of resources or appropriate supports, require assistance in returning home after a hospital stay. The goal is to support the client’s independence by providing transitional support services from hospital to home. During COVID, services may include transportation, meals, grocery shopping and wellness calls.
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Safety and Security
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Women's Interval Home
681 Oxford St., Sarnia, Ontario.
519-336-5200 EXT. 0
Operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Emergency Shelter: This program is operating and available 24 hours a day for any women and children who are experiencing domestic violence. People seeking or receiving services will be screened before presenting (if calling) or upon arrival to Shelter.
- Crisis Line/Drop-ins: The Crisis Line is answered 24 hours a day by trained Domestic Violence Counsellors who provides confidential support to abused women, information, and referrals to the caller. Callers may remain anonymous. Information to the general public and/or professionals seeking information is also provided.
- Domestic Violence Counsellors are available to provide support and information for any questions you may have relating to abuse and the impact it may be having on your life. Risk assessment and safety planning are available by walk-in or by calling.
- Counselling is available by phone or on-line. Existing clients can connect with their counsellor or call the crisis line for assistance.
- Groups are currently not available.
Sexual Assault Survivors' Centre
Counselling continues virtually or by phone.
Public Education and Awareness groups are available as scheduled online.
24 Hour Crisis Line * agency counsellors available
Crisis Phone: 519-337-3320 * collect calls accepted
Office contact: 519-337-3154
Toll Free: 1-888-231-0536
Children’s Aid Society
- Emergencies and/or calls for assistance 519-336-0623.
Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton
Call 519-344-8861 ext. 5238
- Available by telephone to provide emotional and practical support as well as referrals to other resources in the community.
- Provides access to short-term financial support in the immediate aftermath of a violent crime.
Alzheimer’s Society Sarnia-Lambton
Contact: 519-332-4444
Huron House Boys
For information call: 519-869-4000
Please visit: www.hhbh.ca
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Employment Services
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The Workplace Group
General Inquiries and Client Support: 519-337-7377 or info@theworkplacegroup.ca
Job Board and Website: www.theworkplacegroup.ca
We remain open providing all services virtually.
Goodwill Career Centre
Sarnia-Lambton Workforce Development Board
COVID-19 Supports
- To help navigate the resources available, SLWDB has compiled information for job creators, entrepreneurs and self-employed Canadians about the financial support programs being developed, and offered through various Government of Canada department-specific programs and the Canada Revenue Agency
Please visit for updates: www.slwdb.org
Lambton Works Centre
Need help navigating the job market during this time? The friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Lambton Works Centre are available by email at lambtonworks@county-lambton.on.ca to assist you.
The Lambton Works Centre can help you access employment, training and educational information and services to support you on your path to employment. Although the Centre is closed to the public during this time, people are able to access the following services virtually:
- Job search support
- Resume and cover letter writing assistance
- Employment and volunteer opportunities
- Referrals to virtual literacy, training, education and employment programs and services
Lambton College Community Employment Services
In person services are suspended; job seekers and employers are being assisted through telephone 519-312-3189 or email: ces@lambtoncollege.ca
Please check our website for job postings and resources: www.lambtoncollege.ca/ces/
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Mental Health & Wellness
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North Lambton Community Health Centre
https://www.nlchc.com/covid-19-updates/
- North Lambton (Forest) 519-786-4545
- West Lambton (Sarnia) 519-344-3017
- East Lambton (Watford) 519-333-2747
- Kettle Point 519-786-2700
CMHA Lambton Kent
https://lambtonkent.cmha.ca/
CMHA Lambton Kent is OPEN. Mental health and addiction supports are considered ESSENTIAL and will continue.
Where possible, programs have been shifted to virtual, where in-person is necessary, we’ve implemented the proper safety protocols.
If you are feeling down, stressed or anxious and looking for supports, connect with CMHA Lambton Kent:
- 519-436-6100 (Chatham Kent)
- 519-337-5411 (Sarnia Lambton)
If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact us 24/7:
- Mental Health First Response Team: 1-866-299-7447 (Chatham Kent) and 1-800-307-4317 (Sarnia Lambton)
Lambton Mental Wellness Centre
http://www.lmwc.ca/
- Phone supports being provided to current members. Accepting new people who require a check in call. Email cheryl@lmwc.ca or 519-344-5602.
St. Clair Child & Youth Services
https://www.stclairchild.ca/
- Call 519-337-3701 to speak to an Intake Worker.
- Hours of service are Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Family Counseling Centre
http://www.familycounsellingctr.com/
- Call 519-336-0120
- Building is open to the public.
- Virtual and Telephone counselling is available for new and existing clients. Inperson counselling services available depending on the needs
- Tel-Check and Distress Line are fully operational.
- APSW’s continue to connect with and advocate for clients
- Supervised Access Centre – open for Exchanges and Virtual Visits
Rebound
https://www.reboundonline.com/
Rebound offices are all closed to the public but the Sarnia office has staff available Monday-Friday 9am-4pm to answer inquiries and set up services and programs (Including the county services). Programs are all currently virtual with emergency in person supports as needed. Call 519-344-2841 or email office@reboundonline.com.
The HUB/r.Lounge programs (Ages 12-24) are not providing drop in services, but staff are available Monday-Friday 9am-6pm to answer inquiries, schedule appointments to pick up essentials, connect youth to community resources and/or just a wellness check in with Hub/r.Lounge staff. Call Hub cell (519-381-2500) or Hub phone (519-491-5579).
Community Living
https://www.communitylivingsarnia.org/
- Service are being provided by telephone. For intake, clients and other services please contact 519-332-8055 or 1-888-916-2527.
Lambton County Developmental Services
https://lcdspetrolia.ca/
- Closed to the public. Office remains open with minimal staff.
- Essential services are still being offered. 519-882-0933
Big Brothers Big Sisters
https://sarnia.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/BBBSSarnia/
- Staff on site during business hours to answer phone calls and inquiries, 519-336-0460.
- Check website & social media for updates.
Boys & Girls Club
https://www.bgcsarnia.com/
- Check website for program updates.
Sarnia-Lambton YMCA
https://ymcaswo.ca/
- Check website and social media for updates.
Pathways Health Centre for Children
519-542-3471
St. Joseph's Hospice
https://www.stjosephshospice.ca/
Referral Process:
- Individuals interested in any of our services can call one of our team members by telephone. They will be asked to leave a detailed message and a staff person will contact them within 2 business days to complete an intake.
Contact: 519-337-0537
Lisa Adams - Illness & Caregiver Support ext.126
Kayla Slegers - Adult Bereavement support ext. 123
Orley Culverhouse - Children & Youth support ext.114
All email inquiries regarding service can be directed towards: supportiveservices@sjhospice.ca.
Rapids Family Health Team
www.rapidsfhteam.ca
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Legal & Advocacy
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Community Legal Assistance Sarnia
claslegalclinic.ca
Service is being provided by telephone.
For intake, clients and other services please Contact: 519-332-8055 or 1-888-916-2527
John Howard Society Sarnia-Lambton
519-336-1020
- Service to current clients is being provided remotely.
- Office is not open for drop-ins.
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Education & Literacy
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Lambton College
lambtoncollege.ca
Organization for Literacy Lambton
- In person services and programming are suspended; individuals are being assisted through telephone: 519-332-4876
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Finances & Debt
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Financial Fitness Sarnia/Windsor
519-542-1130 ext. 3229 or 1-877-777-9218
appointment@financialfitnesswindsor.ca
Prosper Canada Financial Relief Navigator
The Financial Relief Navigator is an online tool that helps Canadians access critical emergency benefits and financial relief from governments, financial institutions, telecoms and internet providers. The Navigator acts as a one-stop portal where Canadians can access relief measurers from all of these entities.
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Government Services
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Service Canada
Service Ontario
Consider completing your transactions online, if possible: https://www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario.
Bluewater Power
Financial assistance programs, including emergency relief, are available including:
- The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) providing emergency financial relief to eligible low-income customer. Available through the Inn of the Good Shepherd
- The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) which enables eligible low-income customers to receive a fixed monthly credit on bills. For details: https://ontarioelectricitysupport.ca
Hydro One
Employment Insurance - Sickness Benefits
The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for new claimants who are quarantined so they can be paid for the first week of their claim
- Establishing a new dedicated toll-free phone number to support enquiries related to waiving the EI sickness benefits waiting period
- People claiming EI sickness benefits due to quarantine will not have to provide a medical certificate
- People who cannot complete their claim for EI sickness benefits due to quarantine may apply later and have their EI claim backdated to cover the period of delay
- https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html
- Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)
- Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-3742
Goods and Services Tax Credit
The Government of Canada is providing a one-time special payment by early May through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families.
The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.
There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html#increased_goods_services_tax_credit
Canada Child Benefit
The Government of Canada is providing an extra $300 per child through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for 2019-20. This will mean approximately $550 more for the average family.
This benefit will be delivered as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May.
Those who already receive the Canada Child Benefit do not need to re-apply.
People can apply : https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview/canada-child-benefit-apply.html
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Public Health Resources
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Lambton Public Health (LPH) continues to actively monitor the developing situation. In our efforts to provide timely information about COVID-19 we are updating the website frequently: https://LambtonPublicHealth.ca
To provide information that meets the needs of specific sectors, our website now includes regular COVID-19 updates as well as answers to frequently asked questions from municipalities, workplaces, health care providers, parents & caregivers, and other community supports. The community supports section offers a range of information such as how to access:
- COVID-19 information in different languages
- Income supports
- Food and housing
- Services to reduce isolation
- Information on how community volunteers can remain safe while helping others
- Mental health services
We have created a new email where you can reach Lambton Public Health staff with questions about supports for vulnerable populations or information updates about the services you’re providing to the community: vulnerablepopulations@county-lambton.on.ca
In order to continue to have a positive impact in the community, it is important that you take care of your own physical and mental health as well as that of others.
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Government Resources
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Business Supports
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Ontario Small Business Support Grant - Get help with COVID-19 costs
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Agriculture Supports
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Economic Development Supports
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- Economic Developers Council of Ontario - Members Facebook Group
- Economic Developers Association of Canada - LinkedIn Group
- International Economic Developers Association - Webinar Presentation
- Dealing with the Coronavirus: What to do immediately, to help save the tourism industry and our downtowns: Presentation
- Here’s how #CDNtech companies are pitching in during COVID-19 - Article
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