Home/Residents/Unsheltered or Homelessness/Contact Us & Additional Information

Contact Us / Finding Help

Exclamation mark 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 between the City, Region of Durham, Durham Regional Police Service and community service providers, 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 programs or to report activity.

Local Service Providers

Below are just some of the many active service organizations and service groups in our community.

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:

shelter beds will be given to people who live in Durham first
space is not guaranteed; please call the shelter for information
when temperatures are expected to drop below minus 15 degrees Celsius, or if severe winter conditions are anticipated during the next 24 to 36 hours, emergency shelters may expand their services (e.g. increasing bed space by using cots, mats and motel rooms, and staying open during the day)

For more information, including a list of shelters and their contact information, visit the Region’s Emergency Shelters webpage.

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

Housing and Homelessness - Region of Durham

Durham Region is a participant in the Canadian Alliance To End Homelessness Built for Zero-Canada Campaign and is committed to ending chronic homelessness in Durham Region by 2025.

A number of community housing and housing assistance programs are in place. You can apply for rental housing in Durham Region through private landlords, community housing and affordable housing providers. You can also apply for housing assistance to make your rent more affordable. Community and affordable housing providers may offer seniors' housing or accessible (modified) units. Some community agencies also offer supportive or alternative housing. Learn more on the Region's Housing and Homelessness webpage.

In addition, the Region has a Coordinated Access and By-Name List to prevent and reduce homelessness and provide streamlined access to available supports. Learn more on the Region's Homeless Coordinated Access webpage.

If you see it, report it!

In 2021, the City launched the "If you see it, report it" campaign that calls on community members to report safety concerns to help make safer neighbourhoods and a better Oshawa for all.

By reporting non-criminal and nuisance related issues to Service Oshawa and criminal activity to Durham Regional Police Service we work together to make a safer community.

Who do I report to? What should I report? Many non-emergency issues such as soliciting, loitering, camping, garbage, graffiti, discarded needles can be reported to Service Oshawa. Additionally, the DRPS has a non-emergency number at 905-579-1520. Always call: 9-1-1 for emergencies and serious crimes in progress.

Learn more about when and who to contact on our Report It webpage.

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:

Don't pick it up with your hands - use tongs, pliers or tweezers and pick it up with the needle tip down and away from you.
Place a hard plastic container or glass jar on a stable surface and seal it with tape and add a sharps label.
Take the container to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal. To find a participating pharmacy visit www.healthsteward.ca.
Don't throw needles/containers in the garbage.

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, aggressive 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].