There is a real and endemic of homeless and individuals with mental health issues in Durham region

Yes, homelessness and mental health issues are significant concerns in the Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). 

**Homelessness in Durham Region and the GTA:**

The Point-in-Time (PiT) Count Report 2021 provides a snapshot of the nature of homelessness in the Durham Region⁷. The report includes the total number of people counted as homeless in the Region within a 24-hour period, basic demographics of survey participants, and other indicators of how and why people were experiencing homelessness⁷. As of September 2023, at least 373 people in Durham were experiencing homelessness in the region, 225 of whom had experienced homelessness for six months or longer[^10^].

**Mental Health Issues in Durham Region and the GTA:**

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being. It's about how individuals think, feel, and act¹. The Region of Durham provides various mental health services, including crisis services¹. The prevalence rates of mental illness hospitalizations in Durham Region have been increasing, particularly among females².

There are several resources available in the region for mental health support and counseling³. Organizations like the Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) have been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities in Durham for over 50 years⁶.

These issues are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated approach from all levels of government, non-profit organizations, and the community. It's important to continue raising awareness and advocating for resources to address these challenges.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2024-03-03

(1) Point in Time Count Report | Homelessness | Durham Region | CDCD. https://www.cdcd.org/principles-research-publications/point-in-time-count/.

(2) Durham Region paid $5M more for a homeless shelter site than a .... https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/whitby-homeless-shelter-1.7023866.

(3) Mental Health - Region of Durham. https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/mental-health.aspx.

(4) Mental Illness At a Glance - Region of Durham. https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/mental-illness-at-a-glance.aspx.

(5) Mental Health Resources | West Durham Family Health Team. http://www.westdurhamfht.com/mental-health-resouces/.

(6) Community Development Council Durham. https://www.cdcd.org/.

(7) Mental Health Services in Durham Region. https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/resources/Documents/MentalHealth/MentalHealthServices-DR.pdf.

(8) . https://bing.com/search?q=homelessness+in+Durham+region+and+the+GTA.

(9) Housing and Homelessness - Region of Durham. https://www.durham.ca/en/living-here/housing-shelters-and-homelessness.aspx.

(10) Housing and Homelessness Reports - Region of Durham. https://www.durham.ca/en/doing-business/housing-and-homelessness-reports.aspx.