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Emergency Shelters

HomeLiving HereHousing, Shelters and HomelessnessEmergency Shelters

Emergency Shelter Programs

You can stay at an emergency shelter throughout the year if you have lost your housing and have no other place to stay. Shelter services will be provided to people who live in Durham first.

If you are fleeing family violence or abuse, there is support available for you.

Please note: when temperatures are expected to drop below minus 15 degrees Celsius, or if severe weather conditions are anticipated during the next 24 to 36 hours, the Region puts in place its Cold Weather Response Protocol. Emergency shelters are allowed to expand their services. These expanded services may include increasing bed space by using cots, mats and hotel rooms, and staying open during the day.

The Region is not able to guarantee space at the shelters. You will need to call the shelter for information about staying there.

If you see or know someone in need of immediate emergency shelter, call 9-1-1.

Some area municipalities open warming stations/centres during periods of extreme cold. You can contact your municipality to see if there are warming stations/centres open in your area.

Find a shelter for you

Emergency Shelters for victims of violence

Women and children fleeing violence or abuse

If you are a single woman or a woman with children fleeing violence or abuse, you can go to a Violence Against Women (VAW) shelter. These shelters provide safety and support for women and have many services for victims of abuse. There are many resources for women who have experienced abuse in Durham Region. If you have experienced domestic abuse from a spouse or family member you are living with or have recently lived with, you can apply for Special Priority status.

Contact the Violence Against Women shelters for information about bed availability:

Men and children fleeing violence or abuse

If you are a single man or a man with children fleeing violence or abuse, you can go to Cornerstone Community Association. Cornerstone can provide shelter for men who need support to leave an abusive relationship. There are resources for men who have experienced abuse in Durham Region.


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