Question 1

What does HOTT stand for?

Accepted Answer

The full name of our organization is Houses Opening Today Toronto Inc.

Question 2

How many properties does HOTT have?

Accepted Answer

We currently have 15 properties.

Question 3

Where are HOTT’s properties?

Accepted Answer

All our properties are in the City of Toronto. We have:
-       Ten properties south of the Danforth between the Don Valley and just east of Victoria Park
-       Two properties in the downtown core
-       One property in the Annex 
-       One property at Eglinton West and Oakwood
-       One property in Parkdale

Question 4

What sizes of units does HOTT have?

Accepted Answer

We currently have a variety of units, including rooms in congregate living for individuals, as well as studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.

Question 5

Is HOTT a charity?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HOTT is a charity.  Our Charitable Registration Number is 12802 7703 RR0001.

Question 6

Does HOTT get any government funding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HOTT receives a subsidy from the City of Toronto for the property management of our RGI properties and rent supplement buildings. The subsidies make up the difference between what the tenants pay and what it costs to operate the housing. HOTT also receives funding from the City of Toronto to support our tenants in ten of our buildings.

Question 7

Can I volunteer with HOTT?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are two types of volunteers.
Governance volunteers sit on standing committees, on project specific committees and on the Board of Directors.
Operations Volunteers assist staff in the day-to-day operations of HOTT. HOTT has an application and selection process for both kinds of volunteers.

Question 8

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Please call the office at 416-369-0366 and speak to a staff person. You may also drop by the office at 75 Blantyre Avenue, Toronto between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Question 9

Is there a waiting list?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not keep a formal waiting list.

Question 10

Are there any other organizations similar to HOTT?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are many organizations in Toronto similar to HOTT. You can find out about them by going on www.211toronto.ca.

Question 11

What is Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI)?

Accepted Answer

Rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing is rental housing in which the rent paid is based on a household’s gross income. If the household’s income consists of social assistance, rent is charged at a set amount based on a government rent scale. The remaining part of the market rent for a unit is subsidized.

Question 12

What is Average-Market-Rent (AMR)?

Accepted Answer

Rental amounts that are updated annually by the City of Toronto using amounts published yearly by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Question 13

Can I pay my rent in cash?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may pay your rent in cash if you wish to do so. Most tenants pay by cheque, e-transfer, direct deposit, or money order.

Question 14

How long have we been operating?

Accepted Answer

We were incorporated in 1987 and started operating our housing in 1988.

Question 15

What are the requirements to qualify for RGI housing with HOTT?

Accepted Answer

Applicants for RGI housing with HOTT have to be over 16 years old, have legal status in Canada, and not owe money to any other social housing providers, or if they do they have to have an active payment plan with their previous landlords.

Question 16

Will I get evicted if I start earning lots of money?

Accepted Answer

No, you will not get evicted from an RGI unit if you earn lots of money in the future. Your rent will rise as your income rises. The rent you pay will only go as high as the identified market rent for the unit.

Question 17

Do I have to pay my own utilities?

Accepted Answer

We currently have two properties where tenants pay their own hydro. In the remaining properties we currently own, utilities are included in the rent and utilities charges.

Frequently asked questions