Homelessness Committees

Durham Advisory Committee on Homelessness (DACH)

The Durham Advisory Committee on Homelessness (DACH) provides advice to Regional Council through the Health and Social Services Committee on homelessness issues.

Enhances service delivery to homeless people or those vulnerable to homelessness by:

• Identifying service gaps and barriers that prevent equitable access to service delivery.

• Providing advice on addressing service barriers.

• Identifying trends in service use across the Region.

• Identifying prevention measures that need to be implemented to reduce the incidence of homelessness in Durham Region.

Identifies resources that will address the needs of homeless people or those who are vulnerable to homelessness across Durham Region, and ensure existing Regional funding opportunities are maximized.

Provides a forum for information sharing regarding new or innovative projects that address homelessness.

Membership

Membership is open to organizations funded through the Region’s homelessness programs, homelessness funding agencies, as well as private businesses and social service organizations that have a role in ending homelessness in our community.

Membership will be sought from organizations serving groups particularly impacted by homelessness including youth, Aboriginal groups, women fleeing family violence, and those with mental health and addiction service needs. Funding organizations are encouraged to participate so that community resources can be used most effectively.

DACH members should be in a senior leadership role within their organization and participate as a representative of the agency. Members are expected to share information on homelessness programs and activities through their respective agency networks as appropriate.

Members participate on a voluntary basis. The term of participation is determined by the sponsoring agency.

Meetings

Meetings will be held at least four times a year at Durham Regional Headquarters, located at 605 Rossland Road East in Whitby or at other sites agreed to by members.

Meetings 

2025 Upcoming Meeting dates:

• Thursday July 31, 2025 -  2 - 4 p.m.
• Thursday October 30, 2025 - 2 - 4 p.m.

Read our latest meeting minutes: 

• January 30, 2025 - Minutes
• May 28, 2024 - Minutes
• March 26, 2024 - Minutes
• January 30, 2024 - Minutes
• October 31, 2023 - Minutes

Terms of Reference

The Durham Advisory Committee on Homelessness Terms of Reference.

Chair

The co-chairs will consist of one Regional Council member and one Manager from the Region of Durham's Income, Employment and Homelessness Supports Division (IEHSD). The Regional Council member will be appointed by Council and the IEHSD Manager for a term that coincides with the Committee member’s term of office for a period that will not coincide with the municipal election year and usually in the mid-term of the Chair.

Reporting

Advice from DACH will be considered and incorporated in Regional staff reports to Regional Council through the Health and Social Services Committee.

Minutes of meetings will be circulated to participating members and the Health and Social Services Committee.