Region of Durham welcomes first occupants to 1635 Dundas Street East

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham welcomes the first occupants to the 1635 Dundas Street East shelter this morning on March 20.

The Region purchased 1635 Dundas to help address the urgent need for housing and services. This is part of the continuum of care across Durham to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This low barrier shelter will help to provide immediate solutions that will help people who need it most.

This building provides 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. The Region selected Christian Faith Outreach Centre (CFOC) in February as the service operator for 1635 Dundas Street East, through a comprehensive Expression of Interest process.

The shelter follows established 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

“With 1635 Dundas Street E. being open as a low barrier shelter, we are officially able to begin helping people to get back on their feet. As part of the Region’s housing-first approach, supports, services and strategies, including 1635 Dundas, lead to housing to help people end their homelessness while meeting their basic needs. The ultimate goal here is to end chronic homelessness.”

- John Henry, Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham

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.
• Christian Faith Outreach Centre (CFOC) has been selected as the service provider for 1635 Dundas Street E. CFOC supported the "Out Of The Cold" initiative during the 2019/2020 winter season and then transitioned from the successful In, Out of the Cold pilot program at Camp Samac to operating a 24/7 shelter.
• The Region currently has various housing projects underway. 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 in Whitby will serve as a low-barrier shelter in the first phase of the project. Future phases of 1635 Dundas will be informed by community engagement and the Community Liaison Committee.
  • Exploring future mixed-income communities within Durham Region.
  • Continued support of vulnerable residents on World Homeless Day, each October.

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

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.