From January to August this year, the Region of Durham said it has supported 435 individuals with moving into housing. Still, nearly 2,000 people have asked the Region of Durham for help to end their homelessness.
There were 811 people on the region’s by-name registered homeless list in August 2025 (see below).
As of August this year, 93 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Durham have identified as having mid- to very high-acuity needs, meaning they required supports from multiple services to remain housed.
182 out of 10,000+ got social housing: Councillor
There is also a list of more than 10,000 residents seeking social housing, of which by 2024, only 182 had received affordable housing, according to Oshawa and Regional Councillor Brian Nicholson (see below).
In honour of World Homeless Day on October 10, the Region of Durham issued a statement saying it is raising awareness, and continuing to address and eliminate barriers to accessing safe, affordable housing.
Apparently, the region’s effort is not keeping pace with the escalation in homelessness and demand for affordable housing.
Downtown Oshawa Homeless Issues
Currently, a much-commented-upon topic trending on social media – apart from upcoming municipal elections – is the recent escalation of “nuisance” issues related to the homeless in downtown Oshawa (see below).
Not being successful in maintaining a safe and secure downtown, the City of Oshawa is attempting to force downtown businesses – including non-profit institutions – to shoulder the onus and the cost of maintaining security in and around their premises.
The iconic 60-year old not-for-profit Canadian Automotive Museum has been fined $2,750, and other institutions such as the Masonic Hall, have been issued notices with threat of fines.
Service System Manager
The Region of Durham says it uses a housing-focused approach as service system manager of local homelessness supports. This means all supports, services and strategies – including shelters – are part of a system that leads people to securing and maintaining permanent housing. “The goal is to help people permanently end their homelessness.”
The region said many people experiencing homelessness require more than housing services to maintain a permanent place to call home. This may include life skills building, mental health and addictions services, employment support and training, or related services.
Three Major Projects
The Region of Durham has developed two local transitional housing residences, Beaverton Heights and Oshawa Micro-Homes, and is currently developing 1635 Dundas Street East, Whitby, into supportive, transitional housing units on the second and third floors. The purpose is to bridge the gap from homelessness to permanent housing.
Through community access points and Regional Street Outreach, the Region of Durham said it continues to connect with people experiencing homelessness to offer support; and collaborates with all levels of government, health services and the community towards our shared goal of ending chronic homelessness.
“While homelessness remains a complex issue, there can be lasting change when all levels of government, health services and the community work together. Every person in Durham Region needs a roof over their head; it is a basic human right,” says John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO.
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Durham homeless list increases by over 130% in just one year