THAW Program
The Heat and Warmth Program (THAW) is run by the Salvation Army's Housing Support Services. It provides emergency financial help if you haven't paid your utility bill(s). It pays all or part of your utility bill directly to London Hydro or Union Gas. You can apply every other year and could receive a maximum of $350 per utility. The program runs from January every year until the program's funds run out.
To be eligible you must:
- Meet income eligibility criteria
- Not have received assistance from THAW the year before
- Have a disconnect or final notice from the utility, or be currently disconnected
- Have made a minimum payment of $50 in the past 4 months
- Be the person named on the bill
- Live in London
OW and ODSP participants who have a utility shutoff of final notice should contact their OW/ODSP caseworker BEFORE contacting THAW, to determine if other benefits are available
For more information please call the THAW Information Line (519-661-0343 extension 300).
You can fill out a THAW application at the Centre of Hope (519-661-0343 extension 266) or at the following sites:
- Salvation Army, Housing Support Services (519-661-0343 extension 300)
- Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre (519-642-7630)
- Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre (519-668-2745)
- LUSO Community Services (519-452-1466)
- Merrymount Children's Centre (519-434-6848)
- St Paul's Daily Bread (519-434-8979)
- South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre (519-686-8600)
The Salvation Army's Housing Support Services also runs a Winter Warmth Program for residents of Middlesex County, a Rent Bank that provides free loans for up to two months' rent for tenants facing eviction, a Water Filter Program and a free education program to help tenants manage their money and maintain a home. For more information, click here.