The aim of this initiative for families and individuals is to develop a viable long-range plan for future self-sufficiency. Simply put, to help people help themselves.
In the Greater Toronto Area, more than 22,000 Jews live in poverty, two-fifths of Canada’s Jewish poor. In our local community, at least 3,000 children are being raised below the poverty line and the numbers show no sign of decreasing.
The single-most significant shortfall in the struggle against Jewish poverty continues to be affordable or subsidized housing. Creating an awareness of this problem within our community and possible solutions is key. Responding to current economic conditions and the financial needs of the Jewish family, JF&CS provides an assistance program to ensure a quality of life for Jews within our community that reflects integrity and self-respect.
Approximately 1600 individuals (consisting of both families and individuals) receive basic income supplement each month under the Supplementary Finncial Assistance Program (SFAP) scope.
JF&CS Financial and Rehabilitation Services include:
- short- or long-term supplementary financial assistance*
- assistance with summer camp fees
- Passover assistance
- vocational and/or life skills counselling
Any Jewish person living in the Greater Toronto Area whose income is derived from Welfare (Social Assistance), Family Benefits, Unemployment Insurance, Old Age Pension or low earnings may apply.
For further details, call JF&CS Intake at 416 638-7800.
* The term "Supplementary" denotes that Agency assistance can only be offered to supplement a primary source of income, i.e., government assistance, pension, low wage earnings or family support.