If you see or know someone in need of immediate emergency shelter or emergency assistance, call 9-1-1.
For information on unsheltered residents access to food options, washrooms, showers and a safe place to sleep visit the Warming and Support Calendar.
The safety and health of all community members is a priority of the City of Oshawa.
Through a collaborative effort – Durham Region’s Primary Care Outreach Program, community service providers, Durham Regional Police Service mobile response unit and the City’s Municipal Law Enforcement Officers – we are in constant contact with unsheltered residents. We reach out and offer support to unsheltered individuals who are in need of shelter and access to services – and we have successfully made hundreds of connections.
Below is more information on who to contact for assistance or to report activity in City parks, trails and greenspaces.
Local Service Providers |
Below are just some of the many active service organizations and service groups in our community.
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Emergency shelters - Region of Durham |
The Region of Durham is responsible for social housing and has emergency shelters for single men, women with and without children, and youth. Individuals can stay at an emergency shelter throughout the year if you have lost your housing and have no other place to stay. The Region advises that:
If you see or know someone in need of immediate emergency shelter, call 9-1-1. |
Discarded needles and sharps |
If you find a discarded needle or sharp in a City park, trail or greenspace, contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311. Residents are reminded that if a needle or sharp is discovered on your property:
If you are accidentally poked by a discarded syringe, let the wound bleed freely and proceed immediately to the hospital emergency department for assessment to determine the need for further treatment. |
Unsheltered individuals on City land, parks, trails and greenspaces |
The City’s Parks By-law regulates park hours, conduct and park use. Individuals are not permitted in City parks after hours, and activity such as alcohol, drug use, camping and lodging are prohibited. Additionally, Parks crews regularly check for and clean up litter and debris To submit a report related to park use (e.g. discarded needles, individuals living in tents, debris requiring clean up), please contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311. To report illegal activity (e.g. drug use, thefts, vandalism, agressive behaviour), please contact Durham Region Police Services at 905-579-1520 or [email protected]. |
Unsheltered individuals on private property |
To report an unsheltered individual living on private property without the consent of the property owner, please contact Durham Region Police Services at 905-579-1520 or [email protected]. |
Unlawful / illegal activity |
Through a collaborative effort, Municipal Law Enforcement officers and police conduct regular foot patrols through our priority parks, trails and greenspaces. Together, we are collectively working with local social services providers to ensure that individuals are connected with the social services that they need.
To report illegal activity (e.g. drug use) or inappropriate, unsafe behaviour, please contact Durham Region Police Services at 905-579-1520 or [email protected]. |