When basic needs are at risk, accessible financial support services are a lifeline

After being diagnosed with a rare and serious illness, John*, a member of a First Nation community in Northern Ontario, was unable to return to his lifelong career as a construction worker. 

While dealing with a frightening diagnosis, John also had to contend with the fact that his housing, transportation, food, and security were all at risk.   

For John, this reality hit hard:  

His landlord was threatening eviction. He began relying on food from friends and neighbours, washing clothes at a relative's home, and had lost phone service due to nonpayment.  

That's when he applied for Ontario Works, thinking it could at least cover rent and basic living expenses.   

His application was denied. 

Understandably, John was feeling overwhelmed and close to giving up.  

When he hit that breaking point, he did what most people do: he turned to a friend. Sharing his troubles with someone he trusted is how he got a recommendation that would change everything. They suggested reaching out to Sudbury Community Service Centre (SCSC) for help. 

When he contacted SCSC, in crisis and desperate for a way forward, they did what they always do: Leapt into action to provide the support he needed.  

SCSC’s financial support workers learned he had never applied for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Old Age Security (OAS), believing his modest lifetime contributions would make him ineligible. A huge barrier to accessing and receiving any funds was that his income taxes were not up to date.  

The first order of business during his appointment with SCSC was to complete the maximum amount of outstanding income tax returns: 10 years. 

The result? Over $15,000 in credits and benefits.   

John’s next appointment was a home visit from an SCSC financial empowerment worker, who went to his home because he was too ill to travel. The worker helped him complete applications for CPP, OAS, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). They also helped him reapply for Ontario Works, which required a 2024 Notice of Assessment. Not only did SCSC workers provide the documentation needed, they also contacted his landlord directly to explain how rent arrears would be addressed.  

When John followed up with SCSC to thank them, he shared the news: The funds had come through.  

His rent was paid in full, and the eviction threat that had been looming over him was gone. He’d been able to restock the basics again—food, household necessities, the everyday items that seemed so far out of reach before. Then he told them about the message from Service Canada: his pension benefits would begin in January 2026. For John, this was permission to finally rest and focus on healing.  

He no longer felt compelled to work through illness simply to survive. He could finally focus on recovery—steady, housed, and supported.

 *Name changed for privacy 

Acknowledgements 

This work is generously supported by: 

Principal Funder – IG Wealth Management 

IG Wealth Management’s support of Prosper Canada helps advance financial well-being in Indigenous communities by expanding access to culturally appropriate and trusted resources, tools, and services that strengthen financial stability and resilience. 

Funder – Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) 

The Ontario Securities Commission’s support of Prosper Canada helps strengthen investor protection and confidence in financial markets by advancing investor education and expanding access to trusted information and resources. This work helps meet the unique needs of Indigenous community members and at-risk investor segments to foster informed financial decision-making.