Region of Durham and Town of Whitby reach agreement for 1635 Dundas Street Project

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham and the Town of Whitby have reached an agreement related to 1635 Dundas Street. This decision will help to ensure collaboration that will allow the project to move forward.

The Region purchased 1635 Dundas to help address the urgent need for housing and services. This will become part of the system of services across Durham to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It will help to provide immediate solutions to help individuals and families who need it most.

This building will provide 45 shelter beds to help meet our community’s need. The site will remain open during the day, allowing people to stay inside and work toward their goals, instead of having to go outside during the day. The shelter will follow established shelter intake processes and best practices, with wraparound supports, and an indoor environment that allows for a full range of programming. Future phases of 1635 Dundas will be informed by community engagement and the Community Liaison Committee.

Learn more about the project at yourvoice.durham.ca/helpaddresshomelessness

Quotes

“We are pleased with the agreement made with the Town of Whitby and look forward to continued collaboration as we move forward with 1635 Dundas Street East. This shelter will help address an urgent need to support vulnerable residents in Durham Region and we are pleased to be able to proceed with this project.”
 
- John Henry, Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham

“Thank you to the Region of Durham for working collaboratively with the Town of Whitby on this agreement, and to our community for sharing concerns and questions that helped shape how the shelter at 1635 Dundas will operate. This agreement puts the Region in a strong position to open a shelter that meets the needs of our most vulnerable residents while prioritizing safety and security for the surrounding neighbourhoods. As winter approaches, I’m relieved that Whitby residents currently living outside in ravines and green spaces, or living in their vehicle, will have the opportunity to come inside to a safe, warm place offering wraparound services.”

- Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby

Quick Facts

• The Region of Durham is responsible for the planning and co-ordination of the Homelessness Support System across local municipalities, which includes providing shelter and support. As part of the Region’s housing-first approach, supports, services and strategies lead to housing to help people end their homelessness while meeting their basic needs. The ultimate goal is to end chronic homelessness.
• The Region currently has projects underway to support vulnerable residents. These projects include:
  • Beaverton Transitional Supportive Housing: a modular housing development in Beaverton that will provide accommodation and access to wraparound services.
  • Ritson School Project: a renovation of the former elementary school building in Oshawa for community programs. This project will also explore opportunities for mixed-use, sustainably built housing.
  • Community Housing Redevelopment Project: Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation properties are being redeveloped to provide more, higher quality affordable housing and to create mixed income communities.
  • 1635 Dundas: this Whitby site will serve as a low-barrier shelter in the first phase of the project. Engagement is occurring to help develop the longer-term vision for housing options and support services for the site.
  • Region to open new facility to help address community need.
    Region of Durham reaffirms commitment to vulnerable residents on World Homeless Day.

Visit yourvoice.durham.ca/helpaddresshomelessness for more information about 1635 Dundas and subscribe for updates.

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