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At Home in Durham is the Durham Region Housing Plan for 2014 to 2024. The plan lays out the Region's vision for housing and homelessness for the next 10 years.
Four goals of At Home in Durham
Goal 1: End Homelessness in Durham
Goal 2: Affordable Rent for Everyone
Goal 3: Greater Housing Choice
Goal 4: Strong and Vibrant Neighbourhoods
The Region works in partnership with area municipalities, private organizations, industry and non-profit agencies to achieve this vision. The Affordable and Seniors’ Housing Task Force report, Championing Affordable Rental and Seniors’ Housing Across Durham Region, further supports the four goals of At Home in Durham.
Highlights of our commitments and progress
In April 2018, 194 people experiencing homelessness were surveyed through a Point in Time Count and Registry Week initiative. The information collected will be used to target resources to meet the first goal of At Home in Durham: End homelessness in Durham. The full report is available on the Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) website.
We contribute about $34 million annually in Regional funding to support the operations of 44 non-profit housing providers across the region, and to provide long-term rent-geared-to-income subsidy for 4,481 households in Durham.
We implemented a new Durham Rent Supplement program to provide greater flexibility in addressing the needs of applicants on the Durham Access to Social Housing (DASH) wait list.
In 2017, we provided rental assistance to an additional 678 households through the Durham Housing Benefit and Housing Allowance, under the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) program.
We administer several Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) programs, including emergency shelter services, housing outreach and the Housing Stability Program, with increasing focus on assisting vulnerable, low-income tenants in maintaining their housing.
We introduced a new Regional Residential Development Charge (DC) service category (Housing Services) to fund the development of new, growth-related social and government assisted affordable housing projects/units.
We defer payment of the Regional Development Charge (DC) by social and government-assisted affordable housing projects.
Since 2005, we have allocated $59.9 million in federal and provincial funding for the development of 529 new affordable housing units by 2019 in both the private and non-profit sectors.
Since 2005, we have invested $26.2 million in federal and provincial funding for rehabilitation improvements to maintain the current social housing stock, and “green” retrofits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.
We have established an Interdisciplinary Tactical Team, with representation from each area municipality, to support the implementation the Affordable and Seniors’ Housing Task Force report.
We have arranged municipal partner meetings to consider ways to support and encourage affordable housing, including parking standards, secondary suites, demolition control, intensification opportunities, pre-zoning and inclusionary zoning, and the identification of underutilized properties.
At Home in Durham, the Durham Region Housing Plan 2014-2024
The plan sets out our direction for housing, including:
An assessment of current and future housing needs.
Goals related to the identified needs.
Realistic actions to meet the diverse range of these needs.
In 2019, At Home in Durham will undergo a five-year review, resulting in a renewed vision for affordable housing and ending homelessness in our region.
Championing Affordable Rental and Seniors’ Housing Across Durham Region
The Affordable and Seniors' Housing Task Force identified several strategies and actions to address the need for more affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income households, and the need for more housing choices for seniors.
Lead by example by ensuring that the Region is strategic, proactive and anticipatory, and is ready to champion affordable rental and seniors' housing.
Overcome the barriers that are preventing affordable rental and seniors' housing by reducing risks, increasing certainty and offsetting costs.
Partner and build support for affordable housing through improved education, communication, outreach and awareness, and by supporting partners who are in the business of creating and maintaining affordable rental and/or seniors' housing in Durham Region.
Showcase best practices and share information to build Durham Region's reputation as an affordable housing and seniors' housing exemplar, fit for imitation by others.
Advocate responsibly to senior levels of government for affordable and suitable housing that meets the needs of all.
Monitor progress and report on results to ensure that objectives are being met and that success is being realized through on-the-ground action.
The six-point plan of action sets the stage for 34 recommendations that focus on a full spectrum of solutions, including policy, regulatory, educational, communications, outreach, partnership development, advocacy and reporting efforts.
Goal 2: Affordable Rent for Everyone
Goal 3: Greater Housing Choice
Goal 4: Strong and Vibrant Neighbourhoods
