Phase 2 community engagement begins for 1635 Dundas Street East

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Whitby, Ontario - The following statement is being issued on behalf of The Regional Municipality of Durham:

"The 1635 Dundas Street East project is a multi-phase initiative aimed at providing safe and inclusive housing support solutions to help individuals and families who need it most. Durham Region values the insights and suggestions from our community members in informing the design and implementation of this facility that meets the needs of our residents.

A 45-bed low barrier shelter with wraparound supports opened in the building at the end of March 2024 as part of the Phase 1 implementation of the project. The shelter has provided a safe and supportive environment to over 100 unique individuals. The occupancy rate has been at or near capacity since opening.

During Phase 1 engagement, the community identified areas of need including:

• Individual housing options;
• Programming supports to ensure physical, mental and addiction health needs are met; and
• Partnerships with service providers to support growth opportunities for people including life skills and employment options.

Phase 2 now focuses on implementing what we heard from community engagement in Phase 1 by creating housing units with health and social supports and services. By building a continuum of housing on site, 1635 Dundas Street East will provide transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness, supportive housing for those requiring specialized services, and accommodations for independent living.

Our Community Liaison Committee meets monthly to share information, identify issues, and create mitigation strategies to promote successful integration of the shelter, and its patrons, into the broader community. Our service provider, Christian Faith Outreach Centre (CFOC), provides a wide range of supports and services that aims to help patrons get back on their feet, including:

• On-site mental health and addictions support provided by Lakeridge Health/Pinewood.
• On-site harm reduction support services, housing, and employment assistance provided by John Howard Society.
• Medical support provided by Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC).
• Arts Programming.
• We Grow Food Gardening project.

We appreciate the valuable feedback received during Phase 1, which has significantly informed our planning. This survey was developed in collaboration with the Community Liaison Committee and the information gathered from the Phase 2 Engagement Survey will help to inform the planning and program development process of Phase 2, ensuring that the facility is a place of dignity, respect, equity, and opportunity.

The first step of Phase 2 has begun as we invite members of the public to share their feedback through our online survey, available on Your Durham until September 27, 2024. We greatly appreciate and value feedback as it will help inform the planning and development process of Phase 2 for 1635 Dundas Street East.

To learn more about 1635 Dundas Street East, or for project updates, please visit Your Durham."

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For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.