Durham Region Priorities Fall 2024

By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering Regional Priorities Part 2 It’s easy to set priorities when Communities and Councillors work together. As I have said many times, I am very fortunate to have strong Community Groups that keep the pulse of what’s important, and through them I am able to set priorities. This week I am focusing on YOUTH as a priority. As we are very aware, homelessness in our Region has escalated. What we do know is that homelessness is a symptom of bigger problem. While Durham Region continues to expand its shelter programs it is equally important to recognize that when dealing with youth, shelters are not the solution, which is why addressing Youth is an important priority that was the focus of a recent Town-hall meeting I jointly hosted with the Pickering Westshore Community Association. One of the key discussions was a presentation from Durham Youth Services about the launch of a new program that provides emergency respite housing as an alternative to exposing youth to a shelter. “Night Stop”offers a safe place for vulnerable youth without entering the shelter cycle where they are exposed to increasing victimization further putting them at risk. The program matches a young person with a trained volunteer host while family reconciliation and or more settled accommodation can be found. Durham Region is one of 2 such programs in Canada (York Region is the other) which is modelled after its success in Europe. The program offers safe alternatives from ending up in a shelter. It works on long term solutions. Youth homelessness, is increasing at an alarming rate across the Region of Durham, and we must make it a priority by understanding the complexities that cause youth to become homeless while recognizing that in many instances it is circumstances beyond their control. For “Night Stop” to succeed it needs Communities across Durham to recognize they have a collective responsibility to address Youth Homelessness in an effort to ensure a positive future. Make combatting Youth Homelessness your priority and consider acting as a host to accommodate a youth in your home or a driver to provide safe transportation. Contact : nightstop@durhamyouth.com or 905-239-9477.