Durham homelessness supports helped 435 people move into housing during the first eight months of 2026, according to new figures released by the Region of Durham for World Homeless Day.
The region said nearly 2,000 people have asked for help to end their homelessness. As of August, 93 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Durham identified as having needs rated from mid to very high acuity.
That classification means many people need help from several services to remain housed, rather than shelter alone.
Region uses a housing-focused system
Durham Region is the service system manager for local homelessness supports. It describes its approach as housing-focused, meaning shelters, outreach and other programs are intended to help people secure and maintain permanent housing.
Depending on individual needs, support can include life-skills development, mental-health and addiction services, employment training and assistance navigating other community programs.
Regional Chair and CEO John Henry said lasting change depends on governments, health services and the community working together. He described housing as a basic human right.
Three transitional housing sites form part of the plan
Durham’s transitional supportive housing programs provide accommodation and wraparound services intended to bridge the gap between homelessness and a permanent home.
Beaverton Heights has 47 transitional units and is operated by Blue Door. Residents can receive meals, rental and tenant assistance, employment services, life-skills support and mental-health and addiction help.
Oshawa Micro-Homes provides 10 temporary transitional units. Local agencies tailor case management, financial assistance, employment services and health supports to each resident.
The region is also developing the upper floors of 1635 Dundas Street East in Whitby. The site currently includes a 45-bed shelter. Plans call for 13 health-focused transitional units and a Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub in early 2027, followed by another 44 transitional units in early 2028.
Street outreach operates around the clock
The Regional Street Outreach Program works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Its staff connect people with Durham’s By-Name List and co-ordinated access system, community agencies, transportation and wellness checks.
The region said community access points and street outreach continue to offer help while governments, health providers and community organizations work toward ending chronic homelessness.
The latest Durham homelessness supports figures are a substantial update to earlier regional reporting because they add the number housed this year and the share of people who require several connected services.
