Please visit the closest hospital emergency room or dial 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.

To download a complete list, CLICK HERE

Please visit the closest hospital emergency room or dial 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.

To download a complete list, CLICK HERE

To download a complete list of all shelters in Durham Region, CLICK HERE

Transportation Help to Shelters

Housing outreach agencies can provide transportation help (bus tickets, etc.) for people who need help to get to a shelter program. Offices are only open during business hours, Monday to Friday. If help is needed after hours, the shelter program can be contacted directly for help at 905-666-6239 ext. 5510.

Ajax
Community Development Council Durham: 905-686-2661

Clarington
John Howard Society: 905-623-6814

Oshawa & Whitby 
John Howard Society: 905-579-8482

Scugog, Uxbridge & Brock 
North House: 705-432-8654 or 1-877-406-8723

Christian Faith Outreach Centre

Cornerstone Community Association

Address: 133 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa
Capacity: 40 beds
Criteria: Single men, men with children, couples with children, seniors with extraordinary medical needs (no pets)
Phone: 905-433-0254 or 1-844-433-0254
Email: generalinquiry@cornerstonedurham.com

Muslim Welfare Centre

Address: 425 Dundas St E., Whitby
Capacity: 45 beds
Criteria: Single women, single women with children (boys under 12), no pets
Phone: 905-665-0424 or 1-866-666-1115
Email: muslimwelfarecentre@gmail.com

Durham Youth Services

Address: 82 Kings Crescent, Ajax
Capacity: 10 beds
Criteria: 16-24 years of age, no pets
Intake Phone: 905-239-9477
Email: contact@durhamyouth.com

To download a complete list of housing supports in Durham Region, CLICK HERE

Region of Durham Supports and Programs

Region of Durham Supports and Programs

Housing First and Coordinated Access in Durham Region

If you’re homeless or having trouble finding a safe place to live, Durham Region has a system to help you get housing and support more quickly.

What is Coordinated Access?

It’s a way for local housing and support services to work together. Instead of going to a bunch of different places for help, your info is shared (with permission), and you are connected to the best supports faster.

What is the By-Name List?

It’s a private list of people in Durham Region who are homeless or close to it. It helps make sure everyone gets the right help at the right time.

• You only get added if you say yes (give consent)
• It’s used to figure out who needs help the most
• It helps the Region track progress in ending homelessness

How does the Process Work?

1. Talk to a Housing Worker
Start by reaching out to one of the community organizations listed below. A housing worker will talk to you about your situation.

2. Share Your Info (With Permission)
They’ll ask you to give permission to share your information with other support agencies. Then they’ll ask you some questions to figure out your housing needs.

3. Join the By-Name List
If you agree, your name and basic info will be added to a secure list of people in Durham who need housing help. This list is updated regularly and helps match you with support faster.

4. Get Matched to Housing
Your information will be reviewed by a group of service providers who will help decide which housing and supports are best for you. People with the greatest need are helped first.

5. Get Support After You’re Housed
Once you get housing, you’ll continue to receive support to help you stay housed and succeed long term.

Who do I Contact?

If you need help, call any of the groups below. They can start your assessment and help you get on the By-Name List:

For a complete list of Food Banks across Durham Region:
Excel – CLICK HERE
PDF – CLICK HERE

Durham College – Support Hub
Address: 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa
Phone: 905-721-2000
Email: dcsa@durhamcollege.ca
Hours: Register online
Criteria: Must be a current student.

New Life Neighbourhood Centre
Address: 33 Olive Avenue, Oshawa
Phone: 905-404-2004
Email: N/A
Hours: Tuesday, 11am to 3:30pm (by appointment only)
Criteria: Must call to pre-register and provide identification.

Simcoe Hall Settlement House
Address: 387 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa
Phone: 905-728-7525
Email: info@simcoehall.com
Hours: Tue. 10am-11:30am, 1pm-3pm, Wed. 9am-11:30am (Seniors 55+), Fri. 9am-11:30am, 1pm-3pm
Criteria: Resident of Durham Region, Photo ID for each family member, proof of income and proof of rent.

Zion Church
Address: 409 Adelaide Avenue East, Oshawa
Phone: 905-436-3255
Email: office@zioncrc.ca
Hours: Thursday, 9am to 11am (doors at 8:45am, lottery system)
Criteria: Resident of Oshawa, photo ID for all household members and proof of address.

Clarington East Food Bank
Address: 250 Mill Street South, Newcastle
Phone: 905-987-1418
Email: claringtoneastfoodbank@gmail.com
Hours: Tuesday 11am–2pm & 3pm–6pm; Thursday 11am–2pm
Criteria: Resident of Clarington, application (renewed annually), photo ID for each family member, proof of address.

St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry
Address: 127 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville
Phone: 905-623-6371
Email: N/A
Hours: Wednesday 10am-11:45am, Thursday 4pm-5:45pm
Criteria: Resident of Bowmanville, ID for all household members, proof of address, income and expenses (rent, utilities).

Christian Life Centre – Helping Hands
Address: 1030 Ravenscroft Road, Ajax
Phone: 905-686-1411
Email: life@christianlifecentre.ca
Hours: Third Saturday of every month, 9am to 11am
Criteria: Photo ID

Salvation Army
Address: 35 Kings Crescent, Ajax
Phone: 905-427-7123​
Email: james.dark@salvationarmy.ca
Hours: By appointment only
Criteria: Call or email for more information.

Simcoe Hall Settlement House
Address: 387 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa
Phone: 905-728-7525
Email: info@simcoehall.com
Hours: Tue. 10am-11:30am, 1pm-3pm, Wed. 9am-11:30am (Seniors 55+), Fri. 9am-11:30am, 1pm-3pm
Criteria: Resident of Durham Region, Photo ID for each family member, proof of income and proof of rent.

Kendalwood Seventy-Day Adventist Church
Address: 1030 Ravenscroft Road, Ajax
Phone:905-434-830
Email: https://www.kendalwood.com/contact-us
Hours: Wednesday, 3pm to 6pm and Thursdays by appointment
Criteria: None.

Salvation Army
Address: 710 McQuay Boulevard, Whitby
Phone: 905-430-3454
Email: whitby.cc.info@salvationarmy.ca
Hours: Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 11am and 12:30pm to 3pm
Criteria: Residents of Whitby and Brooklin, photo ID for all family members, proof of address, income and rent.

Simcoe Hall Settlement House
Address: 387 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa
Phone: 905-728-7525
Email: info@simcoehall.com
Hours: Tue. 10am-11:30am, 1pm-3pm, Wed. 9am-11:30am (Seniors 55+), Fri. 9am-11:30am, 1pm-3pm
Criteria: Resident of Durham Region, Photo ID for each family member, proof of income and proof of rent.

The Storehouse Food Bank
Address: 55 Emperor Street, Ajax (Southside Worship Centre)
Phone: 905-428-1985
Email: storehouse@southsidewc.com
Hours: Thursday, 12pm to 7pm
Criteria: Complete online registration then book an appointment.
Must have photo ID for all household members and proof of address.
Registration: https://southsideworship.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2610210

Brock Community Food Bank
Address:10 Church Street, Sunderland
Phone: 705-426-1771​
Email: brockcommunityfoodbank1@gmail.com
Hours: Friday, 10am to 1pm
Criteria: Residents of Brock Township, ID for all family members and proof of income.

Operation Scugog
Address:593 Alma Street, Port Perry
Phone: 905-985-3087​
Email: operationscugog@gmail.com
Hours: Wednesday, 12pm to 4pm
Criteria: Residents of Scugog Township, must register in person during food bank hours and complete an application (renewed annually), provide proof of address and income.

Simcoe Hall Settlement House
Address: 387 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa
Phone: 905-728-7525
Email: info@simcoehall.com
Hours: Tue. 10am-11:30am, 1pm-3pm, Wed. 9am-11:30am (Seniors 55+), Fri. 9am-11:30am, 1pm-3pm
Criteria: Resident of Durham Region, Photo ID for each family member, proof of income and proof of rent.

To download a complete list of housing supports in Durham Region, CLICK HERE

Director of Education: Camille Williams-Taylor
Executive Officer to the Director: Dorothy Leaver 
Phone: 905-666-6312

To find out who your local trustee is: CLICK HERE

30 Credits My Way: Allows students to customize their high school journey by selecting courses, co-op placements, and alternative learning formats such as night school, summer school, and eLearning.

Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL): Provides short-term support for students aged 14–17, offering individualized programs like school-based, community-based learning, and specific focus study to help with the return to regular school.

Durham Alternative Secondary School (DASS): Offers flexible and innovative programming for students aged 17–21 in Pickering, Oshawa, and Port Perry, aiming to reconnect them to an educational pathway to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

DDSB@Home: A synchronous virtual school for students in Grades 4–10 residing in the DDSB region, allowing them to learn from home with real-time online classes.

eLearning: Offers flexible online courses for Grades 11 and 12 students, adult learners, and summer school students, providing an alternative to traditional classroom settings.

Regional Centres for Success: A dual credit initiative for Grade 12 students in collaboration with Durham College, allowing them to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR): Enables students to receive high school credits for knowledge and skills acquired outside the classroom, such as through work or life experiences.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program: Offers high school students multiple pathways to explore and begin careers in the skilled trades through hands-on co-op placements, formal apprenticeship registration, and college-level training while earning credits toward their diploma.

Specialist High Skills Major: Allows Grade 11 and 12 students to customize their high school education by focusing on a specific career sector, gaining real-world experience, industry certifications, and transferable skills that support their transition to apprenticeship, college, university, or the workforce.

For a full list of all programs available through the DDSB, CLICK HERE

Director of Education: Gerard Winn
Executive Officer to the Director: Brenda Rocha
Phone: 905-576-6150 ext. 22317

To find out who your local trustee is: CLICK HERE

Return Ticket Program: Academic and non-academic support to Grades 7–12 students on long-term suspension or expulsion.

Centre for Success: Dual Credit programs allow high school students to earn both secondary and college credits by taking approved college or apprenticeship courses, helping them explore post-secondary pathways. Students are referred by a Guidance Counsellor or Student Success Teachers.

Reconnect Program: For students between 16 to 17 years of age who are at risk of graduating. Students are referred to this program from their home school.

For a full list of all programs available through DCDSB, CLICK HERE

Director of Education: Rita Russo
Executive Assistant to the Director: Jenn Juszczynski
Phone:  705-742-9773 ext. 2005
Email: CLICK HERE

To find out who your local trustee is: CLICK HERE

Centres for Individualized Studies (CIS): Flexible program offering academic credit courses and life skills training for adults and teens seeking to complete or upgrade credits, gain job skills, and pursue lifelong learning in a supportive environment.

Peterborough Alternative and Continuing Education (PACE): Supports students aged 16 and older (including adults) in completing high school and preparing for college or work, especially those with commitments, previous challenges in traditional schools, or the need for individualized learning.

The School for Young Moms: Offers pregnant and parenting students childcare, support, meals, and flexible high school credit programs to help them succeed.

Dual Credit Program: Students earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, easing their transition to post-secondary education and providing a head start on career training.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program: Offers high school students multiple pathways to explore and begin careers in the skilled trades through hands-on co-op placements, formal apprenticeship registration, and college-level training while earning credits toward their diploma.

Specialist High Skills Major: Allows Grade 11 and 12 students to customize their high school education by focusing on a specific career sector, gaining real-world experience, industry certifications, and transferable skills that support their transition to apprenticeship, college, university, or the workforce.

For a full list of all programs available through KPRDSB, CLICK HERE

Director of Education: Stephen O’Sullivan
Executive Assistant to the Director: Michelle Kennedy
Phone: (705) 748-4861, ext. 1247
Email: CLICK HERE

To find out who your local trustee is: CLICK HERE

Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL): Provides short-term support for students aged 14–17, offering individualized programs like school-based, community-based learning, and specific focus study to help with the return to regular school.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program: Offers high school students multiple pathways to explore and begin careers in the skilled trades through hands-on co-op placements, formal apprenticeship registration, and college-level training while earning credits toward their diploma.

Specialist High Skills Major: Allows Grade 11 and 12 students to customize their high school education by focusing on a specific career sector, gaining real-world experience, industry certifications, and transferable skills that support their transition to apprenticeship, college, university, or the workforce.

For a full list of all programs available through PVNCCDSB, CLICK HERE

Every school board in Durham Region has Adult and Continuing Education programs. To view these programs by school board, click on the links below:

Durham District School Board

Durham Catholic District School Board

Kawartha Pineridge District School Board

Peterborough Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board

Alateen: Support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking.
Phone: 905-728-1020 (24/7 Help Line)
Email:  info@aadurham.org
Meeting Schedule: To view the full schedule of meetings across Durham Region, CLICK HERE.

Pinewood Centre: Provides a variety of services to help people with alcohol, drug, concurrent mental health and gambling related concerns. All programs with Pinewood Centre are accessed through Central Connect.
Phone: 905-440-7534 or 1-833-392-7363
Email: CentralConnectMHA@lh.ca
Referral Form: To complete the self-referral form, CLICK HERE.
Programs: All programs available to youth are listed below.

The Transitional Youth program: This group supports individuals aged 18 to 24 in exploring the effects of substance use, building coping skills, and engaging in activities like mindfulness meditation.

School Board Youth Outreach: An onsite school-based program providing screening, counselling, and support for youth around substance use, gaming, gambling, or concurrent disorders, while also offering parent workshops, professional training, and collaboration with school staff.

School Board Youth Outreach: An onsite school-based program providing screening, counselling, and support for youth around substance use, gaming, gambling, or concurrent disorders, while also offering parent workshops, professional training, and collaboration with school staff.

Pinewood Centre: Provides a variety of services to help people with alcohol, drug, concurrent mental health and gambling related concerns. All programs with Pinewood Centre are accessed through Central Connect.
Phone: 905-440-7534 or 1-833-392-7363
Email: CentralConnectMHA@lh.ca
Referral Form: To complete the self-referral form, CLICK HERE.
Programs: Pinewood Centre offers individual case management, various therapeutic and educational groups, auricular acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, and low-barrier outreach services, all focused on supporting individuals with substance use concerns through counselling, harm reduction, and community-based care. To access any of the available programs, contact Pinewood through Central Connect.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Peer-led support group for people recovering from alcohol addiction.
Phone: 905-728-1020 (24/7 Help Line)
Email:  info@aadurham.org
Meeting Schedule: To view the full schedule of meetings across Durham Region, CLICK HERE.

Al-Anon: Support group for relatives and friends of people struggling with alcoholism.
Phone: 905-728-1020 (24/7 Help Line)
Email:  info@aadurham.org
Meeting Schedule: To view the full schedule of meetings across Durham Region, CLICK HERE.

Narcotics Anonymous: A free peer support group that helps people recover from addiction through a twelve-step program and regular meetings with no focus on any specific substance, including alcohol.
Phone: 1-888-811-3887
Email: pr@orscna.org
Meeting Schedule: To view the full schedule of meetings across Durham Region, CLICK HERE.

Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: 1‑888‑230‑3505

YMCA – Youth Gambling Awareness Program: Free service offering educational prevention programs to youth and adults involved in young people’s lives on gambling awareness including potential risks, making informed decisions and healthy and active living.

Pinewood Centre: Offers personalized counselling and support for individuals and families affected by gambling, gaming, or technology overuse.