Housing Support

Housing First, Coordinated Access and the By-Name List

Durham Region uses a Housing First approach delivered through a Coordinated Access System to help people experiencing homelessness access housing and supports as quickly and fairly as possible. Housing First means that people are supported to move into housing as a priority, without having to meet pre-conditions such as treatment, sobriety, or program participation. Supports are then offered based on individual needs to help people remain housed. Coordinated Access ensures that people experiencing homelessness are assessed in a consistent way, prioritized based on need, and connected to available housing and supports across the system.

How the Process Works:

1. Connect with a Service Provider
Individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness can connect with any Housing Access Partner in Durham Region (see list below) to start the process. There is no single point of entry, and contacting one organization does not determine who will provide ongoing housing support.

A housing worker will:
• Listen to the individual’s situation
• Explain the process and support options
• Begin the intake and assessment process

2. Assessment and Consent
With informed consent, the housing worker completes a standardized housing needs and vulnerability assessment. This assessment is used by all Housing Access Partners across the region.

At this stage:
• Individuals are asked for consent to share relevant information within the Coordinated Access system
• Information is used only for housing and support planning
• Participation is voluntary, and consent can be withdrawn

3. Added to the By-Name List
With consent, the individual’s information is added to the Durham Region By-Name List.

The By-Name List is:

• A confidential, real-time list of people experiencing homelessness in Durham
• Used to understand who is currently unhoused, their needs, and how long they have been homeless
• Not a housing waitlist and does not guarantee housing

Being on the By-Name List ensures individuals are visible withing the system and can be connected to appropriate housing supports as they arise.

4. Coordinated Access Review and Prioritization
Through the Coordinated Access process, individuals are connected to a housing worker whose program, expertise, and capacity are best suited to support their needs.

• The organization that completes the initial assessment may not be the organization that provides ongoing housing support
• Housing workers are matched to individuals based on fit, program scope, and system priorities

This approach helps ensure individuals receive support from the provider best able to meet their needs

5. Housing and Ongoing Support
Once connected, the housing worker and individual work together to identify and secure appropriate housing.

Supports may include:

• Housing search assistance
• Landlord engagement and negotiation
• Help with applications, documentation, and move-in planning
• Ongoing supports to help the individual remain housed

Support continues after housing is secured to help ensure that housing remains stable.

Where to Start: Housing Access Partners in Durham

If you are facing homelessness you can connect with any of the Community Access Points, in order to complete a vulnerability assessment and be added to the Durham Region By-Name List.