Homelessness Supports in Ajax

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Homelessness is a serious and complex issue, and the Town is committed to continuing our work with the Region and local service providers to find actionable solutions to support the unhoused members of our community. The Town’s Homelessness Task Force is working to address immediate needs as well as long-term solutions to address homelessness in Ajax. Additionally, the Mayor’s Gala has dedicated hundreds of thousands of dollars towards initiatives addressing homelessness.  

Services and resources are available to support at-risk individuals who are unhoused in Ajax. 

Region of Durham Shelters 

For information on the Region of Durham’s shelter programs, visit Housing-focused shelters location in Durham

To learn about the current homelessness situation in Durham Region, view the Built for Zero Report Card.

Ajax Homeless Hub & Street Outreach 

With many services in one location, hub models can help people stay connected to available supports. In Ajax, the following hubs and street outreach teams are providing services and support to the unhoused members of our community:

Christian Faith Outreach Centre - Ajax HUB
158 Harwood Ave, S, Suite 203
Ajax, ON L1S 2H6
905-619-1109

Christian Faith Outreach Centre - Respite Centre (Ajax Temporary Emergency Shelter)
27 Station Street
Ajax, ON L1S 1S2
289-923-2360
rc@cfoc.ca 

Community Development Council Durham
458 Fairall Street, Unit 4
Ajax, ON L1S 1R6
905-686-2661 ext. 147

Carea – Welcoming Streets
289-927-5059

Ajax Temporary Emergency Shelter

The Ajax Emergency Temporary Shelter is located at 27 Station Street at the Ajax Plaza. On November 8, 2022, Ajax Council approved the use of Town-owned space to temporarily shelter individuals experiencing homelessness in response to an urgent call from the Region of Durham. The shelter is fully funded by the Region and daily operations are managed by the Christian Faith Outreach Centre. Concerns regarding the shelter should be directed to Durham Region’s Social Services department. You can connect with them via the following form by clicking here.

Learn more about Council’s decision on temporary space for unsheltered.

Each month, the Town of Ajax will share information about the number of people receiving services at the emergency shelter. We hope that sharing this information will promote transparency.

Monthly Reports:

Community Drop-in Session - May 11, 2023

On May 11, 2023, the Town hosted a Community Drop-In Session regarding homelessness supports in Ajax. The Region of Durham, Durham Regional Police Service, Christian Faith Outreach Centre (CFOC), and other community organizations were in attendance.

The following presentations were shared at the event:

Ajax Locker Program 
The Ajax Locker Program was launched in 2020 with funds from the Ajax Mayor’s Gala. Located on the south side of the Ajax Town Hall property on King’s Cres. at Exeter Rd. (facing what will be the new home of The Salvation Army Hope Ajax/Pickering/Uxbridge), they will be administered by The Salvation Army Hope Church and Community Services (“TSA Hope”) and maintained in partnership between the Town and TSA Hope.
To learn more about the Ajax Locker Program call TSA Hope at (905) 427-7123, or visit locker project in support of TOA's unsheltered and vulnerable.
The Salvation Army Hope Church and Community Services 

The TSA Hope Community Services programs exists to provide a safe place to access emergency food and other assistance, receive a hot meal, and engage in the many other programs and services offered.

All Community and Family Services programs currently operate from 122 Hunt Street in Ajax.

For more information, including partnerships and donations, please call 905-427-7123 or visit The Salvation Army Hope Church and Community Services website. 
Help Settling in Canada 

Settlement Services at the Welcome Centres assist immigrants and refugees to find a place to live and work, to adapt, to participate in social activities, and to contribute to their lives in Canada.

Settlement Services are provided at no cost. To learn more visit Welcome Centre Immigrant Services or call 289-482-1037.

Ajax Homelessness Task Force 

In 2019, the Town of Ajax launched the Ajax Homelessness Task Force. The mission of the task force is to identify issues pertaining to homelessness in the Ajax area and advocate for solutions. In addition to Town staff and members of Council, the task force membership is made of representatives from local Non-Profits, service agencies, places of worship, and community members. To date, the Task Force has contributed to projects such as storage lockers for homeless individuals, out of the cold programs, and supporting local groups access funding. To find out more about the Ajax Homelessness Task Force, contact CDCD at 905-686-2661 or info@cdcd.org. 

Encampments 

Homeless encampments are not allowed on Town property. While the Town has no jurisdiction over encampments on private property, staff will work with property owners, Durham Regional Police Services, and local program providers to safely clear the site and connect occupants with the assistance and services they need.

Residents who are concerned about an encampment or unsheltered person can call 905-668-7711, or toll-free 1-800-372-1102, or visit Emergency Supports for Unsheltered Residents website.
Region of Durham Resources and Information 

The Region of Durham provides resources and information for persons who are homeless and at-risk of homelessness. Visit the Region of Durham website or call 905-668-7711, or toll-free 1-800-372-1102. Services in Durham Region include emergency and transitional shelters, street outreach, support services, and help to find permanent housing.