Region of Durham announces service provider for 1635 Dundas Street East

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham will be opening 1635 Dundas Street East in winter 2024 as a low barrier shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The Region has selected Christian Faith Outreach Centre (CFOC) as the service operator for 1635 Dundas Street East, through a comprehensive Expression of Interest process.

CFOC is committed to providing safe, supervised, housing-focused shelters and services for people experiencing homelessness and partnering with the community to end chronic homelessness in Durham Region.

The Region purchased 1635 Dundas to help address the urgent need for housing and services. This is part of the system of services across Durham to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It will help to provide immediate solutions to help people who need it most.

This building provides 45 shelter beds to help meet our community’s need. The site will remain open during the day, allowing people to stay inside and work toward their goals. The shelter follows established intake processes and best practices, with wraparound supports, and an indoor environment that allows for a full range of programming. Future phases of 1635 Dundas will be informed by community engagement and the Community Liaison Committee.

Learn more about the project at yourvoice.durham.ca/helpaddresshomelessness.

Quotes

“Now that Christian Faith Outreach Centre has been selected as the service provider, we are one step closer to opening 1635 Dundas Street East and helping people to get back on their feet. This project provides an opportunity for people who are experiencing homelessness to receive supports and meet their goals in a healthy environment.”

- Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou, Commissioner of Social Services

“CFOC is honoured to have the opportunity to operate a low-barrier, which does not mean no-barrier, shelter in the Town of Whitby. Recognizing the critical need for additional compassionate and accessible spaces, we stand united in our commitment to fostering a positive impact on the community. Together, with our partners and the Region of Durham, we strive to create a space that not only provides shelter but also embodies the principles of integrity, dignity, inclusion, and support, enriching the lives of those in need and contributing to the overall well-being of our community.”

- Marla Walters, Christian Faith Outreach Centre

Quick Facts

• The Region of Durham is responsible for the planning and co-ordination of the Homelessness Support System across local municipalities, which includes providing shelter and support. As part of the Region’s housing-first approach, supports, services and strategies lead to housing to help people end their homelessness while meeting their basic needs. The ultimate goal is to end chronic homelessness.
• Christian Faith Outreach Centre supported the "Out Of The Cold" initiative during the 2019/2020 winter season and then transitioned from the successful In, Out of the Cold pilot program at Camp Samac to operating a 24/7 shelter.
• The Region currently has various housing projects underway. These projects include:
  • Beaverton Transitional Supportive Housing: a modular housing development in Beaverton that will provide accommodation and access to wraparound services.
  • Ritson School Project: a renovation of the former elementary school building in Oshawa for community programs. This project will also explore opportunities for mixed-use, sustainably built housing.
  • Community Housing Redevelopment Project: Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation properties are being redeveloped to provide more, higher quality affordable housing and to create mixed income communities.
  • 1635 Dundas in Whitby will serve as a low-barrier shelter in the first phase of the project. Future phases of 1635 Dundas will be informed by community engagement and the Community Liaison Committee.
  • Exploring future mixed-income communities within Durham Region.
  • Continued support of vulnerable residents on World Homeless Day, each October.

Visit yourvoice.durham.ca/helpaddresshomelessness for more information about 1635 Dundas and subscribe for updates.

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.