The Doors of Compassion (DOC) Hub which operates three emergency shelters, a service hub, and a food bank in Durham Region is closing its doors.
No reason for the closure was provided. There have been at least two cases of stabbing reported near the faith centre facility in Ajax (see below) earlier this year.
The Region of Durham, in consultation with Christian Faith Outreach Centre (CFOC) and other service providers, has decided to close the DOC Hub effective June 26.
What is Doors of Compassion?
CFOC operates the Doors of Compassion. DOC currently operates three housing-focused emergency shelters in Ajax and Whitby, with a total of 95 beds. Its accessible and low-barrier emergency shelters provide a safe space for unsheltered people 18 and older. Each shelter provides housing-focused support, helping clients achieve their goals of exiting homelessness.
DOC began as a pilot initiative called “Out Of The Cold” during the 2019/2020 winter season. In November 2020, it transitioned from the successful In, Out of the Cold (IOTC) pilot program at Camp Samac to its own 24/7 shelter with 20 beds.
Ajax Shelter To Stay Operational
“Shelters in the plaza will remain operational, ensuring continued availability of the 47 emergency beds in Ajax,” said a town statement.
It said the town will maintain access to services at its facilities, including the longstanding shower program at all community centres, public washrooms and indoor spaces during regular operating hours, and the use of facilities as warming and cooling centres during extreme weather events.
Local and neighbouring service providers and agencies will continue to provide support for food, clothing and other individual needs during this transition period.
“The town remains committed to supporting measurable outcomes and contributing to a coordinated response to the homelessness crisis,” it said.
Ajax has been grappling with homelessness 9see below).
As the service manager responsible for housing and homelessness programs, the region will be reinforcing its housing-first approach, prioritizing access to stable, long-term housing over drop-in, unstructured services.
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