In late Fall 2023, we had the pleasure of hosting a conversation about navigating homelessness in employment areas as a community. We had an open discussion about how we can work together with compassion, to identify tools and resources to help address situations surrounding homelessness and addressing defining criminal activity. We were joined by members of the business community, CBOT, Durham Regional Police Service, Durham Social Services, and representatives from all levels of government including Clarington Mayor Foster, had an open discussion about how we can work together with compassion, to identify tools and resources to help to address situations surrounding homelessness. Discussion also took place surrounding identifying criminal activity and importance of security and reporting a crime – working together to support a safe space in employment areas.

We look forward to helping continue the conversation on how to support business. Sharing resources, insight and education on how we continue to support a safe space with compassion in employment areas in Clarington. We have put together a few resources that we feel is helpful to businesses and their employees: 

1. Click here to access. Notes and insights from the conversation on November 17, 2023.
   
   
2. Click here to access. Resource List for Businesses: On behalf of Mayor of Clarington Adrian Foster, we are happy to share this valuable resource list outlining the supports available from the Region of Durham for those who are unsheltered. We hope it’s helpful to you. The Municipality of Clarington is supporting the Region in distributing the flyer to the local business community. If you would like to request printed copies for your business, the Clarington Board of Trade will be happy to help arrange that with the Municipality.
   
   
3. Click here to access. Warming Shelter in Bowmanville Flyer: As of January 18, under Durham Region’s Winter Warming Plan, St. Paul’s United Church located at 178 Church Street in Bowmanville is a space for unsheltered residents to stay warm. Open 7 days a week until March 31, 2024, 8PM-8AM. Businesses, please feel free to post in your windows or on your doors. 

We look forward to future discussions and working with local resources to provide the tools for business: to educate and support a safe space within employment areas in Clarington.

Stay tuned for more information. Thank you again for your interest and support.