Ronan Henneberry credits affordable housing at The Refuge in Oshawa with transforming his life. He moved into the center in May, together with his feline companion, and expresses gratitude for the newfound sense of security and choice it has provided. The Refuge, a former school building, now houses 26 units ranging from 150 to 200 square feet, each featuring essential amenities like a kitchenette, private bathroom, and internet connectivity.
Responding to Oshawa’s identified homelessness crisis, The Refuge initiated its affordable housing initiative in May, aiming to tackle the issue affecting close to 500 homeless individuals in Oshawa and around 1,000 across Durham Region. Clarence Keesman, the center’s executive director, highlights the plight of youth priced out of the housing market, leading to deteriorating mental and physical health. He emphasizes the necessity of addressing these challenges, leading to the establishment of the affordable housing project.
Residents at The Refuge pay $425 a month, equivalent to their housing benefit under Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program. The program, renewable for up to four years, offers stability and support to individuals like Henneberry, preventing them from falling back into homelessness once their time at the center concludes. Additionally, The Refuge provides various services beyond housing, including meals, laundry facilities, counseling, and recreational programs, aiming to address the holistic needs of its residents.
Although The Refuge’s efforts are commendable, they represent a fraction of the housing demand in Oshawa. The city, like many others in Ontario, has struggled to meet its housing targets, with only 25% achieved thus far in 2025. Tyler Frederick, an associate professor at Ontario Tech University, stresses the importance of not just increasing housing stock but also providing affordable rental options to effectively combat homelessness.
Looking ahead, Oshawa plans to create 600 affordable housing units in Durham Region, with several redevelopment projects already in motion. Mayor Dan Carter emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach combining housing initiatives with mental health and addiction support services to empower individuals towards independence. Henneberry echoes the call for more safe shelters like The Refuge, emphasizing the critical need for secure accommodation options across Durham Region to prevent vulnerable individuals from enduring the hardships of homelessness.
