FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How can I find a Family Doctor?
The Kitchener-Waterloo area has a shortage of doctors.
If a new doctor is available, our agency is contacted and we are able to refer people.

• Walk - In Clinics and Hospitals

If you don’t have a family doctor and you do not yet have your OHIP card, visit the walk-in Clinics for medical attention between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, or hospitals after hours.

• If you are sick and can’t go out of your home, you can call TELEHEALTH for telephone health information/consultation. (International languages available)

For more information, please call our office.

2. How can I get affordable/subsidized Housing in the Kitchener-Waterloo area?
There are several subsidized housing providers in the area. In order to qualify for their service, you need to meet their eligibility criteria. If you qualify, you need to fill out the application form.

We can help you with the application process.

3. Can you get me an apartment?
We do not have the resources to get you an apartment. However, we can tell you what strategies to use. There is no agency in K-W that can secure an apartment for you.

4. How do I apply for an Ontario Works Benefit (Social Assistance)?
You must contact the Ontario Works Benefit intake line. You need to have all the necessary documents ready with you before making your call.

If you need assistance to apply, call our office. Our counselors will help you.

5. Can I receive any assistance to send my children to YMCA summer camp for a subsidized fee?
The Kitchener Waterloo YMCA believes that every child should have the opportunity to attend summer camp. To obtain an application form and further information regarding a subsidized fee for the YMCA summer camp, please contact us at (519) 579-9622.

6. Can I get a Y Membership from you?
A three-month trial membership is offered to all first-year newcomers to K-W.
However, we need to meet with you first to assess your settlement needs and to inform you of all our settlement support services.

7. How can the YMCA help me find a job?
We have trained staff that can help you in assessing your goals and also help in your job search. We can also assist you in using and applying many available tools to find a job. We will provide you with information about the hidden job market, writing a resume and cover letter, and interview tips.

Depending on your needs, we can also refer you to another program within our department - the Newcomer Employment Centre (NEC) - for an employment needs assessment. From this program, you will be referred to other appropriate employment agencies where you can learn a variety of job-search skills.

8. How can I find an interpreter/translation of documents in the K-W area?
Our program offers limited interpreting/translation services in 15 languages. If we do not have a staff person that speaks your language, we will refer you to other appropriate community resource.

9. How can I find a daycare for my children?
To get information about K-W childcare services, please contact us. There are different resources that you can use. If you are in a low to middle income family with children under the age of seven, you may also be eligible to receive financial assistance for childcare.

10. What can I do if I find myself in an abusive situation?
If you are not sure what to do, contact us. We will put you in touch with organizations that provide emergency shelter. They will also provide professional support and counseling for you.

11. Where can I get help to fill out my Income Tax Return Form?
There are free Income Tax Clinics in K-W that prepare tax returns for families with low income. The K-W YMCA organizes a free income tax return clinic every year during the second week in March. You can call to book an appointment. If we are full, we will book you an appointment with other free income tax clinics in the city.

12. I want to travel outside Canada, but I don’t have a passport?
If you are not able to get a passport from your own your country, you can apply for a temporary Canadian Travel document. If you have difficulties filling out the forms, you can call us for assistance.