Social Services
Building Stronger Communities Together
Durham Region’s Social Services Department is here to support you through life’s challenges and experiences. We offer support services that many people will need at some point in their lives, and are dedicated to strengthening our communities and improving quality of life across the region.
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Long-Term Care and Services for Seniors |
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Long-Term Care and Services for Seniors provides programs and services in four long-term care homes. The Region owns and operates each accredited home. To apply to a long-term care home, contact Ontario Health atHome - Central East by telephone: at 310-2222 (no area code required), or toll-free: 1-800-263-3877. Services for seniors also incl |

| Child Care and Early Years |
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The Child Care and Early Years Division (CCEYD) strives to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive in safe, inclusive and high-quality learning environments. The CCEYD supports:
Through these supports, the CCEYD works to create a child care system that supports children in reaching their potential and meets the needs of local families. |
| Financial Assistance and Employment Support |
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Ontario Works assists individuals who are in financial need. There are two types of assistance—financial assistance and employment support. Financial assistance supports may include:
As the Employment Service System Manager, the Region helps to connect job seekers with employers. Services include:
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| Community and Counselling Services |
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Family Services Durham (FSD) works to improve the well-being, mental health, safety, and quality of life of those who live and work in Durham Region, through accessible community programs:
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| Housing Services |
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Housing Services offers financial supports to eligible households, such as:
These programs help eligible households afford and keep housing in the non-profit, co-operative and private rental market. The division also runs Durham Access to Social Housing (DASH), a waitlist and application system for rent-geared-to-income housing and housing benefits across the region. |
| Homelessness Outreach and Support |
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Help is available if you don’t have anywhere to stay. Supports include:
For inquiries or concerns related to homeless supports and services in Durham: Email: Homelesshelp@Durham.ca or Phone: 905-668-4113 extension 5510 1-800-372-1102 extension 5510 311, ext. 5510 Outreach Services Social Services offers Street Outreach, a Primary Care Outreach Program, mental health and addiction support to those experiencing homelessness. |

| Building Affordable Housing |
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Affordable Housing Development and Renewal is responsible for creating new opportunities for affordable and supportive housing. The division identifies and manages new projects on properties owned by the Region and Housing Durham, builds development partnerships with private and non-profit housing providers, and oversees the Region's At Home Incentive Program to build new affordable housing. |

| Emergency Social Services (Disaster Response) |
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Emergency Social Services (ESS) is overseen by the Business Services Division (BSD). ESS co-ordinates short-term support for individuals and families affected by emergencies or disasters. ESS helps people meet their immediate needs, such as shelter, food, clothing, and information, during and after an emergency. |

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Resources for Residents and Non-Profits
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The Strategic Partnerships & Priorities team aims to build resources in our community.
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