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Cold Front: Warming centres for unsheltered

Following the issue of an Extreme Cold Alert, the Regional Municipality of Durham is reminding those in need of the housing-focused shelter programs located throughout the region.

Housing-focused shelter programs aim to end homelessness by providing temporary accommodation, while helping find permanent housing. In addition, outreach hubs are available in Ajax, Cannington and Oshawa. Wrap-around supports available at these hub locations include:

  • Housing outreach support
  • Service navigation
  • Food
  • Washroom/shower facilities
  • Connection to health services

Since the cold winter weather is here, shelters are prepared to expand their services when temperatures drop below -15° Celsius or severe weather conditions are anticipated for the next 24 to 36 hours. During this extreme cold, the Homelessness Support System alerts unsheltered residents and helps them take precautions, said a statement.

Shelter settings are also working to help stop the spread of Covid-19 by following public health guidelines, including physical distancing measures and enhanced cleaning. To help unsheltered residents access supports virtually, shelter settings have upgraded Wi-Fi services and made mobile devices available.

In order to maintain physical distancing and support capacity, shelters are using hotel rooms for additional space and offering diversion programs, which help unsheltered residents identify alternate housing arrangements. To expand available spaces, Christian Faith Outreach Centre in Ajax is providing an additional 20 spaces and New Life Neighbourhood in Oshawa is serving as an overnight warming centre for 15 people.

As part of this nation-wide effort to end chronic homelessness, the region maintains a list of all people experiencing homelessness in our community, which is called a By-Name List. This list provides access to real-time data to better address homelessness. Since creating the list in September 2020, more than 100 chronically homeless people have been housed.

The region also streamlined the process for unsheltered residents to access housing and supports through Durham’s Co-ordinated Access System.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has created many challenges, but we continue to help ensure the health and safety of unsheltered residents. Our goal is to end chronic homelessness in Durham Region because every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and to have a roof over their head,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham.

Quick Facts

  • Outreach hubs in Ajax, Cannington and Oshawa offer housing outreach support, service navigation, food, washroom/shower facilities, connection to health services, and more. For more information, visit durham.ca/CommunityResources.
  • Unsheltered residents may access housing-focused shelter programs to stay safe this winter. Visit the housing-focused shelter programs webpage to find a shelter for you.
  • Durham Region’s Master Housing Strategy aims to improve affordability and access to housing across Durham Region, while highlighting priorities in At Home in Durham, the Durham Housing Plan 2014-2024. Priorities include affordable rent, greater housing choice, strong and vibrant neighbourhoods, and ending homelessness.
  • Many of the Region’s initiatives follow a housing-focused approach, meaning the programming is related to obtaining permanent housing. The goal is to reduce the number of unsheltered residents.
  • Since implementing the Co-ordinated Access System, Durham’s homelessness support system houses 10 chronically homeless people per month on average.

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex is a Warming Centre

When the Region of Durham Board of Health issues an Extreme Cold Weather Alert the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex will be a designated Warming Centre.

Duration: Tuesday, February 9 from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm & Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Recreation Complex will be open.

Extra seating will be available in the lobby & leashed pets are welcome providing they are well-controlled by their owner. Masks are required and patrons must exercise the physical distancing measures.

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