Supports and Resources

Services for Basic Needs - Income, Shelter and Food

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.

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

Aamjiwnaang First Nations Social Services

• Please call 519-336-8410

Kettle & Stony Point First Nations Social Services

• Ongoing clients that received funds in March will receive the same funds for April via mail
• New applications or any inquires during this time email Cindi George directly at:   george@kettlepoint.org Contact: 519-786-2125 

Walpole Island First Nations Social Services

• Please call 519-627-3583

Inn of the Good Shepard

The Inn continues to offer the following programs:

• Food Bank: pre-packed food hampers - Monday to Friday from 9:30 - 11:15 am.  Pick up at the Devine Street door (off the parking lot).  Can pick up a food hamper every 2 weeks.
• Daily meal - a hot meal is provided for take-out - Monday to Friday at 1 pm - 2 pm and weekends from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.   Pick up at the Devine Street door (off the parking lot)
• Children's snack packs - a week supply of 14 snack items (including fresh fruit & dairy products).  For pick up at the Devine Street door during the food bank pick up hours.  Pick up a snack pack per elementary school child every week.
• Income taxes - drop off service to have your returned filed.  Taxes will be filed within 2 weeks but pick up of your paper copy won’t be available until May.
• Bus passes & tickets - no need to come in - Sarnia Transit is now providing free transit for the time being but people are asked to restrict their travel to necessities.
• Rent/Utility - call in for an intake - evictions and utility disconnects have been put on hold until July 1

Lambton County Food Banks

Transportation

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.

Contact: 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

They will help with transportation and food needs for Indigenous clients.  
Contact: 519- 344-6164

Sarnia Red Cross

• Closed to the public, some services have been suspended. Individuals can call 519- 332-6380 for meals on wheels and transportation supports 

Sarnia Transit

• Sarnia Transit is offering free transit. Passengers are instructed to board through back door and practise social distancing - seats near them are off limits. Riders requiring mobility assistance can use front doors.

Safety and Security

Women's Interval Home

681 Oxford St., Sarnia, Ontario.
519-336-5200 EXT. 0 

• 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

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

• Building is closed but services continue. Emergencies and/or calls for assistance 519-336-0623.  Some changes to services have been made as agency prioritizes situations that are higher risk. 

Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton

• 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
• Call 519-344-8861 ext. 5238 

Alzheimer’s Society Sarnia-Lambton

• Contact: 519-332-4444
• Office is closed. Continues to accept referrals (self and other). Education support is currently being provided via telephone, teleconference of zoom.  Will meet face to face with clients at office if needed (with appropriate screening measures in place and physical distancing measures. 
• Support and counseling available via phone, t-con and zoom
• In home respite continues with screening measures in place.
• In person group programming is suspended.
• Activation kits are being dropped off to clients or new referrals with various activities to keep them engaged. 

Huron House Boys

• Continues to service our current youth and families. Admissions are being screened more stringently because of the potential transmission of COVID-19.

Residential Relief Fund

As part of the Government of Ontario’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the province is investing up to $40 million to support organizations that provide residential services for children and youth, people with developmental disabilities and emergency shelters for women and families fleeing domestic violence.

The COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund will cover costs such as additional staffing, residential respite for caregivers; personal protective equipment and supplies; initiatives to support physical distancing and transportation to minimize client exposure.

Ontario Strengthening Victim Services in Response to COVID-19

Attorney General announces $4 million to support victims and protect front-line justice staff

This additional one-time emergency payment will help more than 50 community agencies across Ontario, including victim crisis assistance organizations (VCAOs), Indigenous organizations and those based in rural areas, stay operational and accessible to victims during the public health crisis. Funds will help front-line staff respond to challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis and enhance access to immediate supports for victims, including extended hotels stays, and transportation and meal vouchers available through the Victim Quick Response Program Plus (VQRP+).

Employment Services

The Workplace Group

• In person services are suspended; individuals are being assisted through telephone 519-337-7377, email info@theworkplacegroup.ca or via their social media pages

Express Employment Professionals

• The office remains staffed at this time. They are limiting access by asking applicants to apply by phone 519-336-7962 email, or online 

Goodwill Career Centre

• In person services are suspended; individuals are being assisted through telephone 519-332-4333 and virtual services

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. 

Lambton Works Centre

The NEW 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 the time, people are able to access the following services virtually:

• Labour market information and job search support 
• Resume and cover letter writing assistance 
• Referrals to virtual literacy, training, education and employment programs and services 
• Access to employment and volunteer opportunities

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.

Mental Health & Wellness

North Lambton Community Health Centre

https://www.nlchc.com/covid-19-updates/

• Both Forest 519-786-4545 and West Lambton (Sarnia) 519-344-3017 sites are open. Providers are offering phone visits, unless an office visit is deemed essential.
• Watford, Kettle Point and Cardiac Rehab sites are closed. Navigation services are being provided via telephone.

CMHA Lambton Kent

https://lambtonkent.cmha.ca/

• Available by phone or email from Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
• Sarnia Office: 519-337-5411 or 1-855-211-2642
• Mental Health First Response Service (available 24/7) 1-800-307-4319

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/

• Walk-in Clinics and County Mental Health Clinics are on hold, however services remain open.
• To schedule an appointment, call 519-337-3701 to speak with an Intake Worker.

Family Counseling Centre

http://www.familycounsellingctr.com/

• Call 519-336-0120 and follow the prompts to reach an intake line.
• Office will reopen in phases to ensure necessary health and safety precautions are in place to protect clients and staff.

Rebound

https://www.reboundonline.com/

• Sarnia, Petrolia and Forest offices are closed and programs are postponed. Staff continue to connect with youth via virtual or telephone platforms. 
• Housing supports and Youth in Transition services are currently being provided via phone, texting, emails and emergency face to face as required.
• Referrals and telephone intakes are still being conducted for all programs, including youth justice programs.
• Messages are being monitored.  Phone 519-344-2841 or email office@reboundonline.com.

The Hub

• Programming is postponed; staff are on—call and available to support youth via telephone and/or meet youth at the HUB to provide essentials (ages 16-24). Phone 519-381-2500 or send message through the Hub Facebook page.

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

• Services continue to be delivered primarily though virtual care, with limited face-to-face appointments for urgent needs.
• Phone lines are being monitored daily 519-542-3471.
• Visit Pathways Health Centre for Children on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PathwaysHealthCentreforChildren/ and online at pathwayscentre.org.

St. Joseph's Hospice

https://www.stjosephshospice.ca/

As many of you are aware, following the advisement of the Ministry of Health, our Medical Director, and in consultation with our Board of Directors, St. Joseph’s Hospice Resource Centre has been closed and all programs and services have been postponed until further notice due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To help limit the spread of the virus, the Supportive Services Team will be working remotely from home indefinitely. 

We recognize that grief does not take a break in the midst of a global pandemic and we are committed to continuing to uphold the integrity of our service and act as a resource to our current clients, community members and community partners in the absence of being able to provide face-to-face service.  

To Our Existing Clients: We are providing telephone support and consultations to resource you with recommendations on community services being offered as well as online resources. Those who are currently matched with a visiting volunteer, you may continue to receive phone support from your volunteers. The coordinator will be in contact with you when our services commence.

To Those Inquiring About Our Services:  We are still accepting new referrals for all of our programs. This includes Adult Bereavement, Support for Grieving Children and Youth, Illness and Caregiver Support. The coordinator will take referrals by email or phone, and setup a phone consultation to support and provide resources. The coordinator will then be in contact with you to setup an assessment when restrictions are lifted and our services are offered again. 

To Our Community Partners: Coordinators can be reached by email (preferably) or by phone as we will be monitoring our voicemails regularly.  

Coordinators will be in contact with all inquiries within two business days. Please know we are thinking about you and your families and will do our best to continue to be a resource for the Sarnia-Lambton community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to focus on the health and well-being of our community. 

For adult bereavement inquiries contact:

Kayla Slegers,  kslegers@sjhospice.ca or 519-337-0537 ext. 123

For support for grieving children and youth contact:

Orley Culverhouse,  oculverhouse@sjhospice.ca or 519-337-0537 ext. 114

For illness and caregiver support contact:

Lisa Adams,  ladams@sjhospice.ca or 519-337-0537 etc. 126 

Rapids Family Health Team

Mental Health counseling is available by phone. Counselors are available for any FHO Physician patient by calling 519-339-8949 ext. 166 or 519-490-8768. We also have great reliable resources on our website.

Walk-in Medical Services are available to any individual with a valid Ontario health card at the Rapids Family Health Team Access to Care Centre located at 481 London Rd. Monday thru Thursday 8:00 – 4:30 (these hours may vary depending on staffing - check our website at www.rapidsfhteam.ca). This service is for episodic symptoms such as Urinary Tract Infections, Ear aches, etc. We ask that you first try your primary care provider but we have Nurse Practitioners that will see you if you are unable to secure a same day appointment with your doctor. We are a walk in service - You don’t need an appointment but patients are screened for COVID 19 Symptoms when entering the building. A virtual care web app is currently under development. Call 519-491-6188 for more details

Residential Relief Fund

As part of the Government of Ontario’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the province is investing up to $40 million to support organizations that provide residential services for children and youth, people with developmental disabilities and emergency shelters for women and families fleeing domestic violence.

The COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund will cover costs such as additional staffing, residential respite for caregivers; personal protective equipment and supplies; initiatives to support physical distancing and transportation to minimize client exposure.

Legal & Advocacy

Community Legal Assistance Sarnia

Service is being provided by telephone.  For intake, clients and other services please Contact: 519-332-8055 or 1-888-916-2527

• claslegalclinic.ca 

John Howard Society Sarnia-Lambton

• Service to current clients is being provided remotely. Office is not open for drop-ins. 519-336-1020 

Education & Literacy

Lambton College

• Classes are suspended from March 16th to March 20th with alternative course formats beginning on March 23rd
• The March 28th Open House is now a virtual event  lambtoncollege.ca/openhouse

Organization for Literacy Lambton

• In person services and programming are suspended; individuals are being assisted through telephone at 519-332-4876 

Finances & Debt

Financial Fitness Sarnia/Windsor

• Offices are currently closed and staff is working remotely and conducting telephone appointments. Please call 519-542-1130 ext. 3229 or 1-877-777-9218 or by email: appointment @financialfitnesswindsor.ca
• Please be patient as the toll free number has had some issues which staff are trying to work through

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

• Our priority is the health and safety of all Canadians, while maintaining service to the public. We are temporarily closing in person Service Canada Centres to allow us to better prioritize capacity and to ensure critical service delivery to vulnerable clients. Read the full Service Canada notice.

• Access services online https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html  

Service Ontario

• Remains open and the public is urged not to visit in person unless completely necessary; they are asked to consider completing your transactions online (if available) https://www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario.

Bluewater Power

• No disconnections for residential customers for non-payment for the next 90 days. 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.
• https://www.hydroone.com/savingmoneyandenergy_/financialassistanceforresidents_/Pages/Relief-Fund.aspx

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:

• Workers who must stop working due to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
• Workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
• Working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
• Workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
• Wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.
• The Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) would be a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit

Application details will be available through My CRA and My Service Canada , early April.

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

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.  

Free Wi-Fi

Residents without access to internet are invited to access the free wireless internet available outside of most Lambton County Library locations.

While libraries remain closed until further notice due to efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Library’s Wi-Fi extends beyond the walls of several of its buildings, providing public access in many facilities' parking lot areas.

The free Wi-Fi access is available from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.; however, please note that Wi-Fi signals may not be accessible at certain locations where parking spaces are at a significant distance from the library.

For a full list of Lambton County Library locations, visit www.lclibrary.ca

“Residents rely on our libraries for access to a number of services, including free wireless internet, that they may not otherwise have,” said Lambton County Warden Bill Weber. “This is critical in rural areas of the County where access is limited, and particularly at a time when children are being encouraged to keep up on their school studies from home. We need to make available every resource that we have to provide for our community during these challenging times, including those without internet access.”

The free Wi-Fi is available near most library buildings (proximity varies by location). The library's open Wi-Fi is named "COL Public" and does not require a password. A library card is not required to access the free wireless internet.

For those traveling to libraries by car, the County asks that you remain in your vehicle while using the internet to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others. The same recommendations on distance apply if you are walking, biking or using any other method of transportation to get to the library.

Learn more about social and physical distancing and the steps we can take to help prevent the community spread of COVID-19 on the Lambton Public Health website.

www.LambtonPublicHealth.ca

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

https://www.lambtononline.ca/COVID-19

Government Resources

• COVID-19 Government Announced Support - March 24, 2020
• List of Essential Workplaces - March 24, 2020 
• Ontario Electricity Relief - Families, Small Businesses and Farms
• Ontario Specific Updates - COVID 19
• Canada’s Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities - COVID 19 Resources for Municipalities  
• Resources for businesses designed to help boost mental health initiatives

• Resilient Communities Fund - a one-time fund to support the non-profit sector recover and rebuild from the impacts emerging from COVID-19 so they can effectively meet the needs of communities across Ontario.

Business Supports

• Ontario Together - Help Fight Coronavirus
• Calling All Suppliers – Help Canada Combat Coronavirus Disease 
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Preparedness Website
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Pandemic Preparedness Guide
• Ontario Chamber of Commerce - Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit
• Workplace Safety & Prevention Services - Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit
• A guide to how Federal Government is hoping to help businesses
• Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership - COVID-19 Resources for Businesses

Agriculture Supports

• Ontario Federation of Agriculture - Statement on COVID-19 Pandemic
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Information for Industry
• Canadian Federation of Agriculture - Resources
• 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 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