400+ waitlist for 1635 Dundas Street East shelter: region

Since opening in March 2024, the low-barrier shelter at 1635 Dundas Street East in Whitby has provided housing and services to over 160 individuals, according to the Region of Durham.

The region states that the shelter has helped 20 individuals move into different housing types, participate in specific recovery programs, and, in some cases, reunite with family.

According to Durham, there is a waitlist of over 400 people for 1635 Dundas Street East. The region states that this shelter has provided basic stability, access to health services, and temporary shelter for those experiencing homelessness.

The shelter is operated by Christian Faith Outreach Centre (CFOC). According to CFOC, individuals using the shelter have access to on-site supports, including:

  • Mental health and addictions supports;
  • Harm reduction support services, housing and employment assistance;
  • Medical support services;
  • Arts programming; and
  • Life skills programming

Progress

The region provided the following updates regarding 1635 Dundas Street East:

  • Durham Region’s Street Outreach Program received a large donation of winter clothing from the public through a partnership with 94.9 The Rock. The radio station hosted Socktoberfest and Fill Santa’s Sack events in October and December 2024. The region reports that donations were equivalent to filling the bed of two pickup trucks and were distributed to shelters across Durham Region, including 1635 Dundas Street East.
  • We Grow Food collaborated with shelter residents and staff to build garden boxes. Herbs and vegetables were planted in the building’s outdoor space.
  • On February 1, the “How The Light Gets In” art exhibition will begin at the Station Gallery in Whitby. The region states that the exhibition features artwork from shelter residents. The event will run until April 13, with details available at StationGallery.ca/Exhibitions.
  • The Region of Durham released a video series, “Stories of Resilience,” about homelessness in the area. The region states that the videos highlight real-life experiences, the stigma of being homeless, and available services.
  • The Community Liaison Committee (CLC) continues to meet regularly. The committee shares information, identifies issues, concerns and mitigation strategies that assists in the successful integration of this project, and its residents, into the broader community. CLC Meeting Minutes are posted to Your Durham each month and updates are sent to subscribers.
  • A Phase 2 Community Engagement Survey was conducted in collaboration with the CLC. The survey was available to residents from June 27 to September 27, 2024, to collect input on the planning and development of the next phase of 1635 Dundas Street East. The region reports that 353 respondents completed the survey. Read the full report on Your Durham.

The Region of Durham states that it remains focused on assisting those experiencing homelessness. As the Service System Manager for Housing and Homelessness, the region coordinates shelter and housing services across Durham. The region follows a housing-focused approach, where all supports, services, and strategies lead to housing, with the goal of helping someone to end their homelessness.

Related

Plan to build housing units at 1635 Dundas Street East

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