Supports and Resources

Services for Basic Needs - Income, Shelter and Food

Lambton County Social Services

Lambton County Social Services is available to provide the initial point of contact for financial assistance to persons in need to cover the costs of food, shelter and other basic needs as well as referrals to all other Social Services.  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 needing financial assistance, who are not currently receiving Ontario Works, are asked to apply online at www.ontario.ca/socialassistance or contact the Ontario Works Department at 519-344-2062.   Those already connected with Ontario Works should contact their Caseworker by phone at 519-344-2062, email, text or via MyBenefits with any requests and questions. Individuals receiving Ontario Works do not need to bring documents into the office. Caseworkers can provide options on how to submit information. Payment method options available to receive assistance are direct bank deposit, reloadable payment card or mail. It is highly recommended that individuals contact their Caseworker to get set up with either the direct bank deposit or reloadable payment card payment method.

Visit the Ontario Works page for more information and updates.

Lambton County Housing Services

Please be advised that the Social Services Division is currently restricting public access to Lambton Shared Services and has moved to a required services model. At this time do not attend the office in person unless you have a scheduled appointment and have confirmed your appointment prior to arriving at the facility. Customer service will be completed through mail, telephone calls and email.

Maintenance calls are currently on an emergency basis only.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we all work through this time of significant change.

If you require immediate assistance please call: 519-344-2062 ext. 2200.

Lambton County Children's Services

For information on Childcare subsidies in the County of Lambton please visit the Children's Services page. 

EarlyON Centre’s are providing virtual programming to learn more: www.earlyonlambton.ca

Lambton Circles

Program is being provided virtually.

For more information or to contact please visit: www.lambtoncircles.com

Aamjiwnaang First Nations Social Services

• Please call 519-336-8410

Kettle & Stony Point First Nations Social Services

• Please email Cindi George at cindi.george@kettlepoint.org or call 519-786-2125.

Walpole Island First Nations Social Services

• Please call 519-627-3583

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.

Lambton County Food Banks

Transportation

Lambton Elderly Outreach

4486 London Line, Wyoming Ontario, N0N 1T0

519-845-1353

A non-profit organization providing a wide range of community support services provided throughout Lambton County for adults over the age of sixty and for adults with disabilities.

In-Home Supports: Supports include: PSW, Home Help, Crisis Intervention, and Caregiver Respite.

Transportation: Accessible transportation for medical appointments and social engagements throughout Lambton County.  Subsidies available for those that qualify.  LEO is providing transportation for those COVID-19 suspect or confirmed.

Meals on Wheels: Nutritious affordable meals delivered to homes throughout Lambton County. Hot Meals provided three times a week and frozen meals delivered bi-weekly.  Subsidies available for those that qualify.

Volunteerism & Social: Volunteers and social opportunities for those who want to give back and connect.  Programs include: Friendly Visiting, Meals on Wheels, and Volunteer Transportation.

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.

Safety and Security

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. This may include a rapid antigen test depending on Ministry directives.

• 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 available using a hybrid model of online and in person, depending on the current COVID variant. Please refer to our online calendar link (under the video) https://www.womensintervalhome.com/

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

Offering navigation and support services for those living with dementia and their care partners. Contact us at 519-332-4444 or info@alzheimersarnia.ca

Hours of Service: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment

Our office, and many of our programs and services remain open, following all COVID-19 safety protocol. Some programs have moved to a virtual platform, please check in with us for more information. www.alzheimer.ca/sarnialambton 

Huron House Boys

For information call: 519-869-4000

Please visit: www.hhbh.ca

The Pregnancy Options & Support Centre

Operating at 100% services during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Education & Support is available virtually through zoom and phone calls. Material Support and Free Pregnancy Tests are offered in a contactless way. To book an appointment please email: info@pregnancycentre.org.

To speak to someone about your Pregnancy Options call 24-hour distress line: 519-381-9767

Hours of Operation: Mon, Tues, Thurs 11-4 & Wed 12-5

Closed Fridays, Weekends and Holidays.

Employment Services

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

• For program updates: 519-332-4333 and virtual services
• Please visit: Home - Goodwill Industries

Sarnia-Lambton Workforce Development Board

SLWDB hosts the Work In Sarnia Lambton (WISL) online platform, which includes a Job Board, Job Map, Career Library and Sector Tool. WISL supports employers searching to connect with local job seekers and job seekers looking for job training, skills development resources, entrepreneurial supports and employment service providers in Sarnia Lambton.

Please visit www.slwdb.org/wisl 

Lambton Works Centre

The Lambton Works Centre in-person services are currently unavailable but we are still here to help. We are offering virtual employment support services through Zoom, phone and email. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to assist with resume and cover letter advice, interview tips, access to local jobs and referrals to education and training options.

Email the Lambton Works Centre to book your virtual one-on-one appointment today.

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/

Mental Health & Wellness

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/

• The office is available by phone at 519-336-0120 and the building is open to the public.
• Virtual and telephone counselling are available to new and existing clients. In-person counselling services are available when necessary with implemented safety protocols.
  • Counselling services offer clients a brief, solution-focused Cognitive Behavioural approach to help clients gain tools needed to overcome challenges.
  • For inquires and/or to register for counselling services, call 519-336-0120 and ask to speak with the Intake Department.
  • An Intake appointment can be scheduled at: https://www.caredove.com/familycounsellingcentre1
• If you are seeking help, struggling or just need to speak with a volunteer, the Distress Line and Child & Youth Crisis Line continue to provide phone support.
  • Distress Line—1-888-DISTRES (347-8737)
  • Child & Youth Crisis Line—1-833-622-1320
• The Tel-Check program continues to offer telephone support for seniors and persons with disabilities in the Sarnia-Lambton community.
  • To make a referral for Tel-Check services, call 519-336-3000.
• Advocacy, Planning and Support Workers (APSW’s) continue to connect with and advocate for clients.
  • Referrals for new clients to this program can be made through Developmental Services Ontario.
• The Supervised Access Centre continues to offer a safe environment for exchanges and virtual visits.
  • For more information on services, the Program Coordinator can be contacted at 519-336-0120 ext. 255.

Rebound

https://www.reboundonline.com/

Rebound offices are closed to the public but the Sarnia office has staff available Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. to answer inquiries and set up services and programs. Programs are all currently virtual with emergency in person supports as needed. Call 519-344-2841 or email office@reboundonline.com

The HUB (Ages 12-24) staff are on site Monday-Friday at 1-6pm.

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

• Remains open for service. Virtual and in-person appointments available, depending on need.
• Visit Pathways Health Centre for Children Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PathwaysHealthCentreforChildren/
• Website: www.pathwayscentre.org

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

Legal & Advocacy

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.

Education & Literacy

Lambton College

lambtoncollege.ca

Organization for Literacy Lambton

Virtual service available. Our staff are available to help. Contact: admin@literacylambton.org | 519-332-4876

We will return to by-appointment, in-person help following Lambton Public Health guidelines once government restrictions are lifted.

Finances & Debt

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. 

Government Services

Service Canada

Please do not visit Service Canada Centres unless absolutely necessary. The following programs by using eService Canada:

• Employment Insurance (EI)
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits
• Social Insurance Numbers (SIN)
• immediate request for a Passport Service
• Veterans Affairs Canada Services

Financial support for individuals and businesses during the pandemic: COVID-19 Benefits and Services

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

• A Pandemic Relief Fund has been set up to assist customers affected by COVID-19 to offer financial assistance and increased payment flexibility to customers experiencing hardship. As well the Winter Relief program has been extended so no customer will have power disconnected during this time.
• Learn about additional programs to assist customers here: https://www.hydroone.com/saving-money-and-energy/helping-customers

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

Public Health Resources

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.  

Government Resources

• COVID-19: Financial support for people, businesses and organizations

• Ontario Electricity Relief - Families, Small Businesses and Farms
• Ontario COVID-19 Updates

• Mental health, wellness and addictions support

• COVID-19: Support for workers

• COVID-19: Keeping schools safe

• COVID-19: Support for people

Business Supports

Ontario Small Business Support Grant - Get help with COVID-19 costs

• Ontario Together - Help Fight Coronavirus
• Calling All Suppliers – Help Canada Combat Coronavirus Disease 
• Province of Ontario - COVID-19: Help for businesses in Ontario
• Government of Canada - Support for businesses

Agriculture Supports

• Ontario Federation of Agriculture - Statement on COVID-19 Pandemic
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Information for Industry
• Farm Credit Canada - Increase to Lending Capacity
• Mental Health and Wellness - OFA Resources
• Free resources to help your farm business during COVID-19 - Webinar 

 Economic Development Supports

• Economic Developers Association of Canada - LinkedIn Group
• 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