It’s one stop shopping for housing availability.
Rent Connect is a web-based housing resource designed to help people in Hastings County find rental housing and to assist landlords in listing available rental units.
It functions as an interactive online rental listings platform where landlords can post properties at no cost and prospective renters can search for available rental units across Hastings County using customized search tools.
The program is managed by Hastings County staff, updated regularly, and is intended to improve connections between landlords and individuals seeking housing.
According to Shani Hunter, the county’s Ontario Works manager, the tool provides an easy-to-use option for those seeking rental housing in Hastings.
“The public has access to up-to-date listings in their preferred communities. They can customize their search by location, price range and number of bedrooms.”
Rent Connect was launched in May 2023, and Hunter said the county collects data to track the program’s activity, adding it provides a one-stop shopping option.
“Instead of someone looking at Facebook, Kijiji, local newspapers or at property management companies, we are trying to collect that information and trying to put it in one spot.”
Rent Connect is part of a suite of housing and homelessness prevention initiatives overseen by Hastings County’s Community and Human Services department.
The county also administers broader programs like social housing wait lists, rent supplement and allowance programs, and Ontario Works financial assistance. It also supports the county’s efforts to connect clients to stable, affordable housing and is tied into ongoing homelessness response strategies.
“It is a great resource for those living in Hastings County looking for new accommodations or maybe moving here for employment and looking for a place to live,” added Hunter.
More information is available at https://hastingscounty.com/communities/services/homelessness-prevention.
