The issue of homelessness continues to grow in Durham Region, with Ajax and Pickering facing particular challenges. Despite existing shelters, there are not enough beds to meet the needs of those without housing.
In Ajax, residents and business owners have expressed concern over the increasing number of people at Ajax Plaza, where two adult shelters and a nearby youth shelter operate. Meanwhile, Pickering’s homeless population is smaller but steadily rising, with approximately 40 individuals living without shelter, according to Margaret Eskins of Dedicated Advocacy Resource Support (DARS).
By August 2025, Ajax had 200 people on the Region of Durham’s by-name list awaiting housing. The region recently sought to open an emergency crisis shelter accommodating 50 people overnight and 100 during the day, but negotiations with a landlord fell through, leaving the plan on hold.
The Ajax Hub, open 24/7, offers temporary warmth, but it is not a permanent solution. With winter approaching, concerns for unsheltered residents grow, especially during periods of extreme cold.
Efforts in Pickering show promise. In 2024, a transitional farmhouse opened to support unsheltered individuals committed to leaving the streets, and new residents have recently moved in. Eskins emphasizes the importance of grassroots, community-driven approaches, noting that each community understands its own unique needs and responsibilities.
While solutions are complex and multifaceted—spanning housing, addiction services, and social support—community involvement and innovative local strategies may offer the most sustainable path forward in addressing homelessness in Durham Region.
Photo Credits : Durham Region
