Downtown Oshawa Support
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many cities and towns have witnessed an increase of mental health challenges, addictions and housing needs among residents, while local businesses also face additional unprecedented challenges.
A senior staff Task Force has been convened to address the immediate issues happening in downtown Oshawa. This Task Force consists of representatives from Durham Region Social Services, Durham Region Health Department, Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), Lakeridge Health, and the City of Oshawa.
The livelihood and health of the downtown Oshawa community is very important. We are working diligently to address the concerns of local residents and businesses, and will continue to share information as it becomes available.
For questions regarding support for the downtown Oshawa community, please contact Business@Oshawa.ca.
| Actions taken |
The Task Force comprises of representatives from Durham Region Social Services, Durham Region Health Department, Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), Lakeridge Health, and the City of Oshawa. The following are actions the Task Force is taking:
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| Supports |
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Durham Region homelessness funding information. Housing-focused shelter programs: Durham Region shelter programs are housing-focused, as part of our commitment to end chronic homelessness in our community. Shelter programs also act as Community Access Points to our By-Name List and Coordinated Access System. Homeless Hubs and Street Outreach: Homeless support hubs provide street outreach support to people experiencing homelessness. With many services in one location, hub models can help people stay connected to available supports, including income and employment support, housing outreach, health services, etc. These hubs also act at Community Access Points for Durham’s By-Name List and Coordinated Access System. Housing Supports: Housing supports provide help to those who are homeless, trying to find housing, or those with housing that does not meet their needs. Support is also available to individuals being evicted or worried they will be evicted. Primary Care Outreach Program (PCOP): This program is a partnership between the Durham Region Health Department and Durham Region Social Services. It is a mobile unit that provides outreach services, including mental health support, to vulnerable populations. For more information, contact RMD.PCOP@durham.ca or call 289-979-9428. John Howard Society of Durham Region – Harm Reduction/Project X-Change: This is a Harm Reduction program dedicated to protecting the public from contamination caused by indiscriminate disposal in public areas and use of infected items. The program provides access to sterile needles and other single-use sterile items, helps with referrals to a variety of services, and shares information. |
| Strategies and upcoming projects |
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Durham Region Opioid Response Plan: Status Report, June 2018 Durham’s Homelessness Support and Coordinated Access System
Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Oshawa Micro-Homes Pilot Project |
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