New Housing Projects

Is “supportive housing” the same as a shelter or mental health facility?

Supportive housing means housing with supports—where residents will have 24/7 access to on-site services and supports.

This is not a shelter—it is an apartment building that will offer full-time tenancy for Durham residents who qualify for this type of housing, while offering wrap-around services to set them up for success. Shelters are designed to provide temporary emergency shelter to individuals who have lost housing and have no other place to stay. The Regional Municipality of Durham does not have emergency housing other than through emergency shelters.

This is a full-time residence—an apartment building with self-contained units. Residents living in these units are supported by access to on-site services, such as medical/dental, employment support, and meals in a dining hall. These on-site services help to ensure they find a high quality of life in a safe environment, so they do not return to homelessness.

Where will people come from who will live in this development?

While we recognize that Durham has a lack of housing units providing on-site supports, north Durham residents lack options within their own community. This project provides the opportunity for north Durham residents to access housing in the area that they already call home and for others to experience the benefits that Brock Township offers. We will prioritize the unsheltered residents of north Durham who require the level of service that we will be providing.  

Tenants will be selected based on a number of criteria, including housing and support needs. Criteria outlines that needs must align to the supports provided. Tenancy is voluntary and support agreements will be in place with an understanding of tenant obligations and rules.

How many people are experiencing homelessness in north Durham?

In 2020, there have been over 100 residents in North Durham that have reached out to the homelessness support system for help in obtaining housing.

There are also residents that are precariously housed or at risk of homelessness due to support requirements. These households often are not included in these figures as they may not have reached out to the homelessness support system yet. In 2020, there has been more than 65 residents in North Durham that have reached out to the homelessness support system for case management to help them maintain their housing.

How many people will live in the building?

Units are designed for single, bachelor-style living only (including seniors). The development will include approximately 50 units, as supported by Regional Council.

There are different housing options available in Durham Region for families and couples.

The number of units is based on models in other jurisdictions that have or are using modular development. The total number of units will depend on factors such as unit sizes and amenity space within the building. Although this project is being developed as housing with 24/7 supports, a mix of tenants with various support needs will be housed at this site to promote a healthy, manageable environment.

What is the success rate for individuals in this type of setting? 

This is a program informed by Housing First and Harm Reduction principles, and caters to each individual in an inclusive and holistic way. Housing First is a recovery-oriented approach to homelessness that involves moving people who experience homelessness into independent and permanent housing as quickly as possible, then providing them with additional services and supports as needed.

Permanent housing has become a widely considered evidence-based practice, and is all part of our larger goal to end homelessness in Durham Region.

This exciting housing development in Beaverton is not just about a modern building or residence. This calm, rural setting can offer a needed change of pace to residents looking for not only a home, but also a place to feel secure, supported and part of a community. This development also provides an opportunity for clients currently located in the north to stay in the community that they already call home.

As an outcome of the Affordable and Seniors’ Housing Task Force Report recommendations, the Region reached out to the federal/provincial government, school boards and municipalities to identify surplus land that could be used for the development of affordable housing. Five sites were identified (3 Regional, 1 Oshawa, 1 Clarington) and have been posted online since 2018. All sites were considered, as well as local sites currently for sale in the private market, and sites not currently for sale where acquisition could be pursued. In total, more than 50 options were identified and evaluated.

This surplus land, already owned by the Region of Durham, was identified as a candidate site for affordable housing development in 2018. Preliminary studies have been completed and the site is appropriately zoned, making this location an excellent candidate for an expedited development project. Plus, this project will bring much needed services to the greater north Durham community: services such as counselling and mental health resources, medical services and social services.

It is anticipated that the units will be ready for occupancy in 2021. Although the projects have been expedited to provide much needed housing, this has not come at the expense of due diligence. With respect to the housing development, the Region has been compiling a list of potential affordable housing sites since 2017, as a result of the recommendations of the Affordable and Seniors’ Housing Task Force. The Region is also benefiting from the work of other jurisdictions who have or are currently developing housing projects, by applying lessons learned.

Time is of the essence. There is an urgent need for housing with 24/7 supports now for both adults and seniors.

Accelerating the housing project will be accomplished by using a modular structure design and utilizing appropriate land already zoned. The time it would take in purchasing land, assessment and zoning would increase the homelessness need in Durham Region. This will help us achieve our goal of ending homelessness by 2024, as outlined in Durham Region’s housing plan, At Home In Durham. This plan includes a commitment to increasing the supply of affordable rental housing units; with a goal of initiating 1,000 new units by 2024.

The project will focus on working with residents in creating an intentional community to combat isolation and foster a healthy, safe home for everyone. The establishment of a Residents’ Committee will give residents a strong role in shaping their community.

This is a program informed by Housing First and Harm Reduction principles, and caters to each individual in an inclusive and holistic way.

• Housing First is a recovery-oriented approach to homelessness that involves moving people who experience homelessness into independent and permanent housing as quickly as possible, then providing them with additional services and supports as needed.
• Harm Reduction is an evidence-based, client-centred approach that seeks to reduce the health and social harms associated with addiction and substance use, without necessarily requiring people who use substances from abstaining or stopping.

While this building is not a temporary homeless shelter, resident issues like mental health, addiction or violence could be a reality. The Region of Durham recognizes that all issues cannot be avoided, and we have a plan to address these situations should they arise. Support will be available to residents on a 24/7 basis to mitigate or eliminate these issues.

Our goal is to set residents up for success.

Durham Region has established an Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from agencies serving the north, which will help to inform the on-site supports. The Region will also consult with the north Durham community to determine community gaps/needs for services.

This project provides the opportunity to create efficiencies in the provision of support services in the north that will benefit all residents. Although a comprehensive list of supports has not been finalized at this time, services that will be available are:

• Mental health and addictions support
• Medical care (virtual and/or on-site)
• Financial assistance, such as Ontario Works, ODSP and/or other financial benefits
• Rental and tenant support
• Life skills teaching/counselling
• Addictions counselling

Tenants living in the development are not required to take part in the services provided but are encouraged to do so. By offering services on-site—so they do not have to travel to them—we are setting people up for success.

With supports provided on-site, there will be minimal need for individuals to go elsewhere for services.

When needed, on-demand transportation can be used. On Demand services were expanded to Brock Township in 2019 by Durham Region Transit (DRT) to ensure the public transit network in Durham Region is a viable option for residents, regardless of where they live.

On Demand is a flexible and convenient option to help you connect to scheduled service or take you where you want to go when scheduled service isn’t an option.

Taking On Demand is easy:

• Call 1-866-247-0055 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week to book your ride. Booking requests can be made a minimum of four hours and up to seven days in advance of the trip.
• Provide the booking agent with your date, time, pick-up and drop-off info for your trip. Your booking agent will help with timing and trip planning, ensuring you get where you need to go. 
• Be sure to have correct cash fare, or use the new PRESTO E-Ticketing app in case a PRESTO machine is not available.

DRT also offers Specialized Services for customers who do not have the ability to use scheduled service (eligibility requirements apply). 

To see a complete list of scheduled service routes, visit Our Services. Stay up-to-date on DRT service–including On Demand–by visiting the Planning your travel page of durhamregiontransit.com. DRT booking agents are also happy to answer any questions you may have. Call 1-866-247-0055 to learn more. 

Meals will be provided to tenants on-site, and pharmacy delivery will be available. With supports provided on-site, there will be minimal need for individuals to go elsewhere; where needed, on-demand transportation will be used.

There will also be a shared dining/kitchen area that will allow residents to come together, rather than being in isolation from one another.

Durham Region is committed to hearing the voices of the local community, and ensuring the safety of the existing residents. Suggestions made by the community will be taken into consideration when developing a security plan that protects both existing residents, and residents, staff and volunteers in the housing building. We will be establishing a partnership with DRPS and Durham Region Paramedic Services as part of the community partnerships component (along with community agencies).

Tenants living at the north Durham site will be there because they choose to be, and may leave at any time.  Like any tenant in Ontario, they may also face eviction.

Where will tenants receive medical care, with limited doctors available in north Durham?

This is an area that we hope to build relationships in, with our medical/health community. We have had success for people through virtual medicine, and this is an area we want to explore further. We continue to connect with our primary care partners who are always working to make health care access a priority in north Durham.

 What will the physical building look like?

The design and look of the modular housing have not yet been determined. As with modular construction in other jurisdictions, the building will be designed to complement the surrounding area.

 Why not convert vacant schools into housing instead of building something new?

Durham Region has researched many potential sites for development projects, including vacant schools. We will continue to monitor these sites for future project opportunities, once they are deemed surplus to the school boards’ needs. The Region would be required to purchase the property at market rates for redevelopment at that time.

The Beaverton project is part of our larger strategy to increase the supply of affordable housing that meets the needs of a diverse population. By building a modular housing unit on land that is already owned by Durham Region, we are able to expedite the project to meet this urgent need—while also bringing much needed support services to north Durham.