Durham Region shares suitability study for Beaverton Supportive Housing Project

Whitby, Ontario – An independent review of Durham Region’s new Beaverton Supportive Housing development, scheduled for opening in fall 2021, shows the urgent need for this expedited development.

OrgCode Consulting, Inc. was retained by the Region of Durham to provide an independent and objective study of the new supportive housing development, to be located at 133 Main Street in Beaverton (within the Township of Brock).

The study, which is now available online at durham.ca/SupportiveHousing, reports that the supportive housing is suitable for Beaverton so long as the support services on site are effective. Neither the location nor volume of units in the building are likely to result in project or program failure. However, insufficient or ineffective support services might. If support services are of excellent quality, then Beaverton is an excellent opportunity for 50 people with histories of homelessness and housing instability to have a place call home.

In support of Durham Region’s housing plan, At Home In Durham, this new modular housing development will provide approximately 50 supportive housing units, complemented by community services for north Durham. These services will be based on input provided from the residents of Beaverton.

To learn more about this project and supportive housing needs in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/SupportiveHousing.

Quick Facts

• To help address the urgent needs of unsheltered residents in Durham Region, this project was proposed as part of the Expedited Supportive Housing Report and approved by Regional Council on July 29, 2020. It supports At Home In Durham, a comprehensive plan to end homelessness across Durham Region through the creation of at least 1,000 new affordable housing units.
• On October 29, Durham Region hosted a virtual Community Information Session to gather input from residents about services that should be included on site. The recording of this session is available online; and a summary of community feedback heard through both the session and online survey will be shared soon.
• OrgCode Consulting, Inc. is a Canadian-based international consulting firm committed to professionalizing the homeless and housing services system; leadership development in the sector; homeless and housing system evaluations and redesign; design of tools to be used in supporting and assessing people’s strengths and needs; and thought leadership in effective, efficient and enduring responses to homelessness.

Quotes

“Durham Regional Council is committed to ending homelessness in our region by 2024. No one should go to bed without a roof over their head. Effective supports and services are essential to the success of supportive housing, and the Region is committed to ensuring the right services are in place. I am confident that this project will make a positive impact on the 50 people we are able to house; enhancing the lives of those who are vulnerable, while also providing much needed services to the north.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“OrgCode’s independent study of our project shows that the site, size and location is suitable—with the right services in place. We are committed to working collaboratively with the community to ensure this project will benefit all residents. As part of our project plan, we will also be establishing a community liaison group to ensure ongoing communication with our neighbours. We all want the same thing: a roof over our head, food in our bellies, and a community to feel part of.”

- Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou, Commissioner of Social Services

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.