Human services made easier for Torontonians

The City of Toronto’s Children’s Services, Employment & Social Services and Shelter, Support & Housing Administration divisions have joined forces to launch an integrated website that enables Toronto residents to access information about services and subsidies in one place.

The new Human Services website organizes information by topic, eliminating the need for users to navigate for information in various areas of the City’s website.

Visitors to toronto.ca/humanservices (http://www.toronto.ca/humanservices) can find information about assistance with child care fees, employment services, as well as financial and housing support, all in one place.

“Residents have told us that it is difficult to find information about benefits, services and subsidies they might qualify for,” said Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 10 York Centre), Chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee. “I’m confident that these new online resources will provide a better customer experience for residents and use staff resources more efficiently.”

The new website includes a Finder Tool that enables Torontonians to receive a personalized list of benefits, subsidies and services they may qualify for, based on a short questionnaire. The Finder Tool can be accessed at http://www.toronto.ca/humanservices/finder.

“This new website will have a significant impact on the lives of the 20 per cent of Toronto residents who need access to the Human Services programs, services and benefits covered by the site,” said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee.

— Aggie Fortier