When you contact Social Services for help, a staff member will screen you for all programs we offer, whether it is Ontario Works (OW), child care, housing, shelter or other community services. We might make other community referrals too. Once an application is granted, you are referred to a case worker. If you are already accessing OW, housing or child care programs, you do not need to reapply.
We are committed to providing exceptional customer service . You can help us by:
We are excited to share our2024-2029 Social Services Strategic Planand share our mission to provide person-centered, equitable support for individuals and families within the City & County of Peterborough. This Strategic Plan is rooted in the vision of creating a community where all individuals can live the life they value.
Children's Services is committed to providing services that foster early learning and child development in a safe, nurturing environment. We do this by supporting families who need help with the daily cost of child care.
Ontario Works provides help with basic needs (like food) and shelter (like rent) to eligible people in need living in the City and County of Peterborough. You can also receive drug and dental benefits or help with child care and avoiding eviction or utility disconnection.
Housing and Homelessness Services helps people experiencing homelessness access emergency shelter, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People can apply for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing, learn about other affordable housing options and programs to help build more affordable housing.
Our community boasts several seniors' recreation centres that are hubs for activities and socializing. We offer many different types of housing and levels of care. Also available are property tax assistance/rebate programs and various health services.
Do you need help finding a job? Work with a caseworker to further your employment goals. When you are ready we can refer you to even more supports for employment services in the community.
Peterborough Social Services and our community partners are here to help you reach your goals! We work closely with our partners to support you with money matters like offering free income tax clinics, financial literacy workshops, Ontario 211-Peterborough and help opening a bank account or setting up direct deposit.
Skills Building and Education Support
Peterborough Ontario Works can connect you with a variety of different training programs and workshops to gain new skills and experience. We can also support you to get your grade 12 diploma. Regardless of your age or situation, we can help.
We are continually working to improve our service. You can help us by giving feedback and completing an anonymous customer service survey, filling out a client card at our reception, contacting us directly or accessing our client complaint procedure.
Other resources available to you include statistical reports and Social Services surveys.
We can help you discover new ways forward. Our Bridges out of Poverty network works with you to build successful relationships and staff can help with financial and personal needs.
"I was in need of assistance and your employee did all she could. She genuinely seemed to care and made me feel better about needing assistance." Anonymous
Learning Earning and Parenting (L.E.A.P.) is required for parents under 18 receiving Ontario Works and is available for single parents or couples under age 25 with children.
Our Food Support page has information on upcoming events for free meals, food banks and community gardens in the area.
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178 Charlotte Street
in the Charlotte Mews
PO Box 4138
Peterborough, ON K9J 8S1
Regular Hours of operation
In-office service:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone service:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.