Ronan Henneberry credits affordable housing at The Refuge in Oshawa with transforming his life, offering him a sense of security and stability he had never experienced before. Living in one of the 26 units within a repurposed school building, Henneberry and his cat have found a safe haven since May. The apartments, ranging from 150 to 200 square feet, come equipped with essential amenities such as a kitchenette, private bathroom, and internet access.
The initiative to provide affordable housing at The Refuge was launched in response to the escalating homelessness crisis in Oshawa, as highlighted by the city’s mayor. Recent data indicates that nearly 500 individuals are homeless in Oshawa, with the number rising to approximately 1,000 across the Durham Region. Clarence Keesman, the executive director at The Refuge, emphasized the critical need for affordable housing, especially for vulnerable youth facing mental and physical health challenges.
Residents at The Refuge pay $425 per month, equivalent to their housing benefit under Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program. The program offers a four-year tenure, renewable based on the resident’s ongoing needs, unlike shorter non-renewable programs that often lead to homelessness upon expiration. In addition to housing, The Refuge provides essential services such as meals, laundry facilities, counseling, recreational activities, and housing guidance to support residents.
Despite the success of The Refuge’s affordable housing program, the demand for housing in Oshawa far exceeds the current provisions. The city has struggled to meet its housing targets, with only a fraction of the required homes being built. Tyler Frederick, an associate professor at Ontario Tech University, emphasized the importance of creating affordable rental housing to effectively address homelessness, advocating for a diverse range of housing options tailored to specific needs.
Efforts are underway in Oshawa to address the housing shortage, with plans to develop 600 affordable housing units in Durham Region. These initiatives aim to remove barriers and expedite the approval process for affordable and purpose-built rental housing. Mayor Dan Carter stressed the need for integrated services that combine housing with mental health and addiction support to facilitate a transition from homelessness to independence.
Henneberry expressed the urgent need for more shelters like The Refuge throughout Durham Region to provide secure accommodations and peace of mind through stable leases. He recounted numerous stories of people struggling to find shelter, underscoring the critical need for accessible housing options to prevent individuals from enduring hardships such as walking long distances in search of a bed for the night.
