Shelters, Warming Centres and Cooling Locations
The Region of Durham is legislated by the province of Ontario as a Service System Manager for Housing and Homelessness and designated by the federal government as the Community Entity.
Emergency shelter programs in Durham Region can help you if you don’t have any other place to stay. Funded homeless shelter programs are housing-focused, as part of Durham Region’s plan to address homelessness in our community.
For help with homelessness Support, you can connect:Email: Homelesshelp@Durham.ca
Phone: 905-668-4113 extension 5510
Toll free: 1-800-372-1102 extension 5510
311 - extension 5510
Shelter programs also act as Community Access Points to our By-Name List and Coordinated Access System.
Victims of gender-based violence or trafficking who need supports or emergency accommodation have more than one option:- Call Victim Services at 905-721-4226 or Ontario Works in Whitby at 905-666-6239 during business hours.
- Visit the web page Victims of Domestic Violence to access a shelter to accommodate your needs and safety.
| Emergency shelter locations in Durham Region | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Christian Faith Outreach Centre (CFOC) - Doors of Compassion 1635 Dundas Shelter 1635 Dundas Street East, Whitby, Ontario L1N 2K9 Intake phone: 365-885-3173 Email: docintake@cfoc.ca Criteria: Co-ed, pet friendly Capacity: 45 beds 1635 Dundas site inquiries Security & Facility inquiries phone: 905-723-9149 Email: 1635security@durham.ca
CFOC - Doors of Compassion 158 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax, Ontario L1S 2H6 Intake phone: 365-885-3018 Site phone: 905-619-2670 Email: info@cfoc.ca Criteria: Co-ed, no pets Capacity: 20 beds
CFOC - Doors of Compassion Address: Sales Pavilion at Ajax Plaza 27 Station Street (Southwest corner of Harwood Avenue South and Station Street.) Intake phone: 365-885-5174 Site Phone: 289-923-2360 Email: info@cfoc.ca Criteria: Co-ed, dog friendly Capacity: 30 beds
Cornerstone 133 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 4G8 Phone: 905-433-0254 or 1-844-433-0254 Fax: 905-433-2363 Email: GeneralInquiry@CornerstoneDurham.com Criteria: Single men, men with children, couples with children, seniors with extraordinary medical needs that cannot be accommodated in an emergency shelter, no pets Capacity: 40 beds
Durham Youth Services 82 Kings Crescent, Ajax, Ontario L1S 2M6 Phone: 905-239-9477 Email: contact@durhamyouth.com Criteria: Youth ages 16 to 24 years old, no pets Capacity: 10 beds
Muslim Welfare Home 425 Dundas Street East, Whitby, Ontario L1N 2J2 Phone: 905-665-0424 or 1-866-666-1115 Email: muslimwelfarecentre@gmail.com Criteria: Single women, single women with children (boys under 12), no pets Capacity: 45 beds |
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| Transportation help to access shelters | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Housing outreach agencies can provide transportation help (bus tickets, etc.) for people who need help to get to a shelter program. Offices are only open during business hours, Monday to Friday. If you need help after hours, you can contact the shelter program for help. Ajax Community Development Council Durham 905-686-2661 Clarington John Howard Society 905-623-6814 Oshawa-Whitby John Howard Society 905-579-8482 Scugog-Uxbridge-Brock North House 705-432-8654 or 1-877-406-8723 |
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| Durham Region Winter Warming | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Region of Durham has a Winter Warming Plan to provide safe shelter for those without housing during the coldest months. In partnership with the local area municipalities, the Region operates winter warming locations across Durham from December 1 through March 31. The Durham Region Health Department issues Extreme Cold Weather Alerts when temperatures are expected to drop to -15°C or colder, or when the wind chill reaches -20 or below. When these alerts are active, regionally funded emergency shelters increase their capacity by adding extra mats, cots, and safe spaces. If needed, motels and hotels may also be used to ensure no one is left out in the cold. During these times, shelters also stay open throughout the day to provide a warm, safe environment. Shelter is a basic human need. When someone enters a shelter or connects with an outreach program, they receive personalized support needed to achieve stable housing. Every Regional service, resource, and tool aims to help individuals and families move forward, exit the shelter, and secure a safe, permanent home. If there is someone in your community who needs access to shelter or a warming centre, you can call 311, extension 5510 or email homelesshelp@durham.ca to reach the Street Outreach team. Housing-focused shelters
Additional warming centre capacityIn partnership with local area municipalities, Durham Region operates warming centres that provide temporary shelter during cold weather, protecting people experiencing homelessness from hypothermia. Throughout winter, the Region may also expand the family motel programs, increasing the number of rooms available for families in need.
TransportationIf you need assistance getting to a shelter or warming program, Housing outreach agencies can provide transportation help, such as bus tickets. These agencies are available during regular business hours, Monday to Friday. For help after hours, please contact the shelter or warming program directly. Additional InformationFor more details on Housing-Focused Emergency Shelters and Winter Warming Spaces, visit the Homeless Shelters - Region of Durham. To learn about the health risks of cold weather and ways to protect yourself, check out the Extreme Cold - Region of Durham. |
| Durham Region Cooling Locations |
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Information to be provided Summer 2025 |
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