Community News and Resources
News, deadlines, and services that matter to our community, gathered in one place. Each item links to the organization that runs it, and those links open in a new tab. AFIWI does not deliver these services and does not decide who qualifies for them.
Food and Food Security
Hunger Action Month Highlights Growing Need in Ontario
More than one million people use food banks and hunger relief organizations across Ontario. Feed Ontario explains what is driving increased food bank use and why adequate incomes, affordable housing, and government action are necessary to address hunger.
Read the Feed Ontario article and resources (opens in a new tab)
Find a Food Bank Near You
Toronto residents who need food support can use the Daily Bread Food Bank locator to find a nearby food bank or community food program. Search by address and review the location’s hours before visiting.
Find a Food Bank Anywhere in Ontario
Feed Ontario provides a searchable directory of food banks across the province. Members can search by postal code or address to find the closest participating food program.
Food Security and Toronto City Council
FoodShare Toronto examines food insecurity as an income and equity issue. Its recent community reporting considers how Toronto should respond to rising food costs and increasing demand for food support.
Housing and Household Costs
Help for Toronto Residents Who Are Behind on Rent
The Toronto Rent Bank provides grants to eligible residents who are behind on rent or need help securing a new rental home. The program may help tenants avoid eviction or homelessness. Members should review the income and tenancy requirements before applying.
Property Tax, Water and Garbage Fee Relief
Application deadline is November 2, 2026.
Eligible Toronto seniors and people living with disabilities may qualify for property tax relief and rebates on water and garbage fees. For 2026, the household income limit is $62,000. Seniors must apply annually and provide supporting documents.
Monthly Help With Electricity Bills
The Ontario Electricity Support Program provides a monthly credit directly on the electricity bills of qualifying households. The amount depends on household income and the number of people living in the home. People aged 65 and older who are approved generally receive support for five years before reapplying.
Know Your Rights as a Tenant
Toronto tenants can find information about rent increases, evictions, maintenance, heat, and other housing rights. The organization also operates a tenant hotline at 416 921 9494.
The lawful rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.1 per cent for most rent controlled units. Some units are exempt, so members should confirm whether the guideline applies to their home.
Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations (opens in a new tab)
Seniors’ Income and Benefits
Seniors Could Lose GIS Payments If Their Taxes Are Not Filed
Seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement must file their income tax return every year. The federal government warns that GIS payments may stop or be reduced when tax information is missing. GIS is a tax free monthly benefit for qualifying Old Age Security recipients with lower incomes.
As of September 2026, the maximum monthly GIS amount for a single, widowed, or divorced person is $1,123.17. Eligibility and actual payments depend on income.
Ontario Programs and Services for Seniors
Ontario’s seniors’ guide brings together information about health services, housing, caregiving, transportation, finances, legal matters, safety, and active living. It is a useful starting point for seniors and family caregivers who are unsure which services are available.
Free Dental Care for Eligible Ontario Seniors
Ontario residents aged 65 or older may qualify for free routine dental services through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. Applicants must meet the income requirements and cannot have another form of dental coverage.
Members should also compare this program with the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan before applying.
Canadian Dental Care Plan Explained
The Canadian Dental Care Plan helps eligible residents who do not have access to private dental insurance. Applicants must have filed their tax return, be Canadian residents for tax purposes, and have adjusted family net income below $90,000. Coverage and required personal contributions depend on income.
Read the Canadian Medical Association explanation (opens in a new tab)
Seniors’ Health and Safety
Toronto Seniors Are Feeling the Heat
Extreme heat creates serious health risks for seniors, tenants, and people who cannot afford air conditioning. This article examines unequal access to cooling in Toronto and the need for stronger protections during heat emergencies.
Mental Health Inequalities in Toronto
Toronto’s first mental health report card examines how income, housing, discrimination, and access to services affect mental health. The findings can help residents understand why mental wellbeing is shaped by social and economic conditions, not only individual choices.
Read Toronto’s Mental Health Report Card (opens in a new tab)
