Ronan Henneberry credits affordable housing at The Refuge in Oshawa for turning his life around. Residing with his cat in one of the 26 units within the former school building since May, Henneberry expresses gratitude for the newfound sense of security and stability the housing provides.
The Refuge initiated its affordable housing program in response to Oshawa’s homelessness crisis, with nearly 500 individuals in Oshawa and around 1,000 in Durham Region overall lacking permanent housing, according to recent data. Clarence Keesman, the executive director at The Refuge, highlights the challenges faced by youth in the housing market, leading to deteriorating mental and physical health.
Residents at The Refuge pay $425 per month, equivalent to their housing benefit from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program. The program, lasting four years and renewable as needed, aims to prevent residents from reentering homelessness once their tenure ends.
In addition to housing, The Refuge offers essential services such as meals, laundry facilities, showers, recreational programs, counseling, and housing support. The center experienced its busiest year in two decades in 2024, underscoring the critical need for affordable housing solutions.
While The Refuge’s housing program is a step in the right direction, it only addresses a fraction of the housing demand in Oshawa. The city has struggled to meet its housing targets, emphasizing the necessity for affordable rental housing to effectively combat homelessness.
Efforts are underway to develop 600 affordable housing units in Durham Region, including redevelopments in central Oshawa. Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter stresses the importance of combining housing initiatives with mental health and addiction support services to facilitate a transition from homelessness to independence.
Henneberry advocates for more safe shelters like The Refuge across Durham Region to provide vulnerable individuals with secure housing options. He highlights the struggles faced by those seeking shelter, emphasizing the need for more supportive spaces in the region.
