Welcome to Homelessness in Durham – Hope In Our Community. 

This site is a unique virtual gathering place for those who wish to understand the nature of homelessness and homelessness services in the Region of Durham. Our vision is to inform, support, and unite our community of Durham to minimize and prevent homelessness. Here you will find information on the nuances of homelessness in Durham, what our challenges are, and what we are doing as a community to end homelessness. Learn more

Tell the Government of Ontario to step up and help our cities solve the humanitarian crisis.

Solve the Crisis is a project of Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), a group of mayors representing cities in Ontario with populations of 100,000 or larger.

Homelessness, mental health and addiction issues have reached crisis levels on the streets of Ontario’s cities.

• It’s a humanitarian crisis that continues to grow because of inadequate programs and support for those with addictions and mental health issues, and a lack of housing options for people in vulnerable situations.
• We are hearing from our residents across the province that they are concerned about homelessness and encampments within their communities and believe their government needs to do something about it.
• Residents are avoiding public spaces or downtown businesses and have real concerns about safety and security in their communities.

Learn more at Solve Ontario’s Homelessness Crisis (solvethecrisis.ca)

Durham Youth Services Introduces the Nightstop Program to Durham Region

Youth in housing crises are highly susceptible to exploitation and abuse, even in the safest shelters they can be influenced by a street-involved peer group. Spending just one night in a shelter significantly heightens the risk of long-term homelessness. Due to overcapacity in shelters and unaffordable housing options, young people often find themselves in precarious living situations where abuse is more likely.

This is where the Nightstop program steps in. Nightstop connects vulnerable young individuals facing homelessness with trained volunteer hosts who offer a warm meal, a safe place to rest, and a chance to rebuild their trust in humanity. Read more

As a participant in the Canadian Alliance To End Homelessness Built For Zero – Canada Campaign,  The Region of Durham is committed to ending chronic homelessness and look to house the most vulnerable individuals and families in Durham Region by 2025.