Durham Region houses more than 100 people experiencing homelessness since last summer

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham remains committed to ending chronic homelessness in Durham Region and is tracking progress towards reaching that goal.

Since July 2020, Durham Region’s Homelessness Support System has housed more than 100 people; more than 50 per cent were experiencing chronic homelessness, which means they had been homeless for at least six months in the previous year.

This data is sourced from the Region’s By-Name List, which lists people, by name, who are experiencing homelessness in Durham. This list provides access to real-time data to help better address peoples’ needs and track milestones on the journey to ending homelessness. As of February, there are 125 people on the By-Name List; 89 of whom are experiencing chronic homelessness.

The By-Name List was created as part of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness’s Built for Zero Canada campaign, which is a nation-wide effort to end chronic homelessness. Since creating the list, the Region has implemented new and innovative initiatives to help end chronic homelessness.

This includes housing-focused programming and streamlining the process to access housing and supports through Durham’s Coordinated Access System.

The Coordinated Access System helps people experiencing homelessness to access services based on their individualized needs. The alternative is helping on a first-come, first-served basis, which means those able to better navigate the support system get help first, not necessarily those who need it most.

Since implementing the Coordinated Access System in 2020, Durham Region’s Homelessness Support System has provided more than 100 housing opportunities and is committed to adding at least 100 more in 2021.

The Region remains committed to ending homelessness, as indicated in At Home in Durham, the Durham Housing Plan 2014-2024. Learn more at durham.ca/AtHome.

Quotes

“Durham Region is a caring community with supports to help all residents reach their full potential. The Region of Durham remains committed to ending chronic homelessness because no one should get left behind or fall through the cracks. We want to ensure Durham is a healthy, safe and happy community for all.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

“While homelessness is a complex issue, feeling a sense of belonging and a place to call home is a basic need. Durham’s Homelessness Support System is a collective of organizations and support services that work together to help people on their path from homelessness to a home. They help by addressing and eliminating barriers to access safe and affordable housing because everyone deserves a place to call home.”

- Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou, Commissioner of Social Services

Quick Facts

• Homelessness describes a range of housing and shelter circumstances, including:
  • Unsheltered: living on the streets or in places not intended for human habitation.
  • Emergency sheltered: overnight shelters for people who are homeless or victims of family violence.
  • Provisionally accommodated: accommodation that is temporary or lacks security of tenure (secure lease).
  • At risk of homelessness: people whose current economic and/or housing situation is precarious or does not meet public health and safety standards.
  • Outreach hubs in Ajax, Cannington and Oshawa offer housing outreach support, service navigation, food, washroom/shower facilities, connection to health services, and more.
  • Durham Region’s Master Housing Strategy aims to improve affordability and access to housing across Durham Region, while highlighting priorities in At Home in Durham, the Durham Housing Plan 2014-2024. Priorities include affordable rent, greater housing choice, strong and vibrant neighbourhoods, and ending homelessness.

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