Region of Durham continues to work with community partners to address homelessness

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham, Social Services Department released its summary report on 2018 homelessness and short-term rent support programs. The Region continues to work with municipalities and its community partners to help individuals experiencing homelessness obtain and/or retain housing; and ensure that those who are most vulnerable take the appropriate precautions and find an emergency shelter.

“As we move towards the colder months, it is imperative that those most vulnerable in our communities have a warm, safe place to stay,” said Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou, Commissioner of Social Services. “Through At Home in Durham, the Durham Housing Plan 2014-2024, the Region reinforces its commitment to developing long-term innovative approaches to help individuals access and retain housing. We value the knowledge and expertise of our community partners—by working together, better outcomes can be achieved for those who need it most.” 

Successes of the 2018 homelessness and short-term rental support programs include:

Cornerstone Community Association’s Housing First programs moved 25 clients who require a high-degree of care from temporary shelter to more permanent housing. In addition, the Region partnered with Cornerstone to create and implement the Bridges Street Outreach program, which consists of a dedicated team that works to build relationships with those living unsheltered by providing the services that they need and assistance with finding housing. In 2018, the Bridges Street Outreach program successfully housed 15 individuals who had been living unsheltered. 

The Salvation Army Housing Retention Program directly assists individuals and families in finding, securing, and retaining positive housing. The program seeks out landlords who want to make a difference, and pairs them with individuals who would not otherwise be likely candidates for rental opportunities. In 2018, the program helped 19 households obtain and retain housing.

The Region led the implementation of the Homelessness Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS 4.0). This web-based software encourages information sharing among partner agencies. It is the first step towards the development of a Region-wide Coordinated Access System. A Co-ordinated Access System makes finding housing opportunities and supports easier for those experiencing homelessness.

Launched in July 2018, the Region’s Primary Care Outreach Program (PCOP) connects an advanced care paramedic and a social worker with individuals who may be homeless, dealing with mental health or addiction issues, or unable to seek medical care, counselling, or other services. Since the launch, PCOP has connected with more than 437 individuals who were provided with referrals to other community partners, along with ongoing support to maintain their connection with these services. Most referrals were for housing and counselling (including addictions counselling), followed by referrals for medical/mental health services, food/basic needs, and income support. Since the implementation, approximately 22 of the individuals were housed.

New 2019 homelessness and short-term rental support programs include:

The Region, in partnership with community agencies and members of the GAP committee (consisting of individuals with lived/living experience of homelessness), developed an action plan to support people who are experiencing homelessness during the winter. The five priority areas are information sharing about available resources; innovative, safe and warm spaces; enhanced access to services; practical resources; and a strategy for unsheltered individuals with pets.

In July, the Region, City of Oshawa and John Howard Society launched On Point, a pilot project that involves the removal of indiscriminately disposed needles and other drug paraphernalia from Oshawa parks and public spaces, while providing employment and support to individuals that have lived or living experience of homelessness or substance use. The pilot project will continue until March 31, 2020. Three individuals are currently employed and trained; with plans to train four additional participants. Since the start of the program, employees have safely collected and disposed of more than 3,100 used needles and over 10,000 pieces of substance paraphernalia. Visit the Oshawa Unsheltered web page to learn more about On Point.

Finding help

If you have lost your housing and have no other place to stay, there is help available. Visit durham.ca/EmergencyShelters for more information.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.