Ronan Henneberry credits affordable housing for transforming his life. Since May, he has resided in The Refuge, a youth outreach center in Oshawa, along with his cat. “For once, I have choices,” he expressed. “I now have the freedom to pursue activities without the fear of homelessness.”
Henneberry occupies one of the 26 units within a repurposed school building. These apartments range from 150 to 200 square feet and come equipped with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and internet access. The affordable housing initiative was initiated by The Refuge in response to a homelessness crisis in Oshawa, where nearly 500 individuals are homeless, as per data from July. Across Durham Region, the total homeless population is estimated to be around 1,000.
Clarence Keesman, the executive director at The Refuge, highlighted that young people are being priced out of the housing market, leading to deteriorating mental and physical health. To address this issue, The Refuge charges residents $425 per month, which aligns with their housing benefits under Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.
The program, which spans four years and is renewable based on residents’ needs, aims to prevent individuals from falling back into homelessness. Apart from providing affordable housing, The Refuge offers meals, laundry facilities, showers, recreational programs, counseling, and housing support.
The center experienced its busiest year in two decades in 2024, reflecting the growing demand for affordable housing solutions. The Units at The Refuge, however, represent only a fraction of the housing needs in Oshawa, where meeting housing targets remains a challenge.
According to Tyler Frederick, an associate professor at Ontario Tech University, addressing homelessness requires not only increased housing supply but also the availability of affordable rental housing. Oshawa is striving to create 23,000 new homes between 2022 and 2031, but progress has been slow.
Efforts are underway to develop 600 affordable housing units in Durham Region, with plans for redevelopments in central Oshawa. Mayor Dan Carter emphasized the importance of combining housing with support services for individuals struggling with mental health and addictions.
Henneberry advocated for more shelters like The Refuge across Durham Region to provide secure housing options. He highlighted the challenges faced by individuals seeking shelter, underscoring the need for more comprehensive solutions to address homelessness and housing insecurity.
