Ronan Henneberry expressed how crucial affordable housing has been for him, emphasizing that it has provided him with newfound choices and a sense of security. Residing at The Refuge in Oshawa with his cat since May, Henneberry is among the residents of the 26 units located within a repurposed school building. These units, ranging from 150 to 200 square feet, come equipped with essential amenities such as a kitchenette, private bathroom, and internet access.
The initiative for affordable housing at The Refuge was launched in response to the growing homelessness crisis in Oshawa, which affects nearly 500 individuals in the city and around 1,000 people in Durham Region. Clarence Keesman, the executive director at The Refuge, highlighted the challenges faced by youth who are priced out of the housing market, leading to deteriorating mental and physical health. The monthly rent for residents at The Refuge is set at $425, aligning with their housing benefits under Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.
The affordable housing program at The Refuge spans four years and is renewable based on the residents’ ongoing needs. Keesman emphasized the importance of providing sustainable housing solutions to prevent individuals from reentering homelessness once their initial support ends. In addition to housing, The Refuge offers various support services, including meals, laundry facilities, showers, recreational programs, counseling, and housing assistance.
Keesman noted that the surge in demand for services at The Refuge in 2024 underscored the critical need for affordable housing solutions. The correlation between housing availability and homelessness has become increasingly evident, with only a fraction of the required housing units being provided to address the issue effectively.
While Oshawa has set ambitious targets for housing development, including plans to construct 23,000 new homes between 2022 and 2031, there remains a significant gap in meeting these goals. Tyler Frederick, an associate professor at Ontario Tech University, stressed the importance of focusing on affordable rental housing to address homelessness effectively. He highlighted the necessity of tailored housing solutions to cater to the diverse needs of individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
Efforts are underway in Durham Region to create 600 affordable housing units, with potential redevelopment projects in central Oshawa awaiting federal funding approval. Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter emphasized the importance of integrating housing initiatives with support services for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Carter advocated for strategic investments that combine housing solutions with essential services to empower individuals towards independence and stability.
Henneberry echoed the need for more safe shelters like The Refuge across Durham Region, emphasizing the significance of providing secure and stable housing options. He shared stories of individuals enduring hardships to find shelter, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and reliable housing solutions to combat homelessness effectively.