The number of people on the region’s by-name home-insecure list has more than doubled in just six months, according to the latest statistics.
In the August of last year, the list had some 811 people on it. By February this year, the list has shot up to 1,707 names. These do not include those who are not registered as home-insecure with the region.
Durham is building (like the expansion of the Dundas Street shelter), and some affordable housing, but apparently home insecurity in the region is rising much faster than the building efforts.
Meanwhile, a Pickering hotel is being converted into a temporary accommodation for asylum seekers, according to Durham Region.
The Region of Durham is responsible for health and social services and oversees programs to address homelessness in the region. Examples include street outreach teams, homeless hubs, shelters and warming centres, and the By-Name List and Coordinated Access System, a real-time list of people experiencing homelessness.
Region’s Efforts
The region has developed a housing-focused approach for shelters in the community. From the moment someone enters a shelter, there are supports and a plan to ensure a safe and appropriate exit from shelter.
Individual municipalities plays a supporting role in the region’s work. They also list community supports like food banks, shelters and warming centres.
of the 1,707 on the By-Name List, 271 of those are in Whitby, according to Mayor Elizabeth Roy.
Whitby’s homelessness action includes the 1635 Dundas shelter, which opened in 2024 and with emergency shelter beds and has been at or near capacity ever since. In January, the federal government announced a $40 million investment, through the Affordable Housing Fund, to support Phase 2 of the facility, which will include transitional housing, addiction recovery, a medical clinic, palliative care and more.
Eviction Process
It’s important to note that — as a result of changes in the law — outside of certain immediate health and safety concerns, the municipalities cannot immediately evict people experiencing homelessness from town property. There was homeless encampment on town lands in Ajax that was described as critical by the region (see below).
Where situations warrant (ex. evidence of criminal activity), the town will work with Durham Region Police Services to address concerns, including removal of encampments from municipal property.