Photo courtesy of the municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Residents affected by the August 26 gas explosion in downtown Wheatley are running out of time to apply for financial assistance from the provincial government.

The deadline for the Provincial Wheatley Residents Assistance Program, which is funded by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, is January 31.

Residents who have been unable to return to their homes due to the evacuation order can receive up to $4,000 per month to pay for temporary housing.

Residents who do not plan on returning to their homes once the evacuation order has been lifted can receive up to $8,000.  This money can be used to assist with one-time housing costs, including last month’s rent, moving expenses, furnishings and utility hook-ups.

January 31 is also the deadline for any outstanding paperwork requested by the province in relation to housing assistance applications.

Residents who need help applying for either program should contact a case manager at 519-351-8573 prior to the deadline.