Salvation Army Ends Housing Program in Durham Amid Funding Cuts

The Salvation Army has announced the termination of its rental housing program in Durham Region, impacting more than 200 individuals, including 114 children. This decision follows a funding withdrawal by Durham Region in May. As a result, the program, which began in partnership with the region in 2017, will cease operations by the end of October 2023.

Gina Haggett, the charity’s divisional director for public relations in Ontario, explained that the Salvation Army had previously entered into time-limited guarantee agreements with landlords to cover rent payments on behalf of tenants. As the program winds down, a total of 88 adults and 114 children will be left without support. Haggett stated that the organization had urged Durham Region to transfer the program to another operator instead of discontinuing it, but this request was declined.

In an email to CBC News, Haggett noted that the Salvation Army continued to cover program costs for several months following the funding cut to help prevent hardship for those affected and to allow time for alternative support to be arranged. “Our focus continues to be the people affected, and we continue to work with tenants, landlords and community partners to minimize the disruption and coordinate a safe, orderly transition,” she said.

Currently, approximately 964 people are experiencing homelessness in Durham Region, according to data from July. Lisa McIntosh, director of income, employment and homelessness supports for Durham Region, did not disclose the reasons behind the funding cut.

Landlords Seek Compensation Amid Program Termination

As the Salvation Army prepares to end its housing program, two landlords have come forward, alleging that the charity owes them significant amounts of money due to unmet agreements. Jennifer Johnson, one of the landlords, has expressed her intention to file a lawsuit against the Salvation Army. She claims the charity has failed to address extensive damages to the properties she rented out through the program, which include broken appliances, damaged floors, and holes in walls.

“They’ve absolutely not lived up to the agreement and it’s heartbreaking and it’s just despicable,” Johnson stated. Although Haggett declined to comment on specific landlord issues, she emphasized that the Salvation Army has complied with the guarantee agreements in full.

Johnson provided a copy of the rent guarantor agreement from August 2024, which stipulates that the Salvation Army is responsible for returning the rental unit to its original condition. However, after notifying the charity about the damages, she received a letter from its legal counsel indicating that it was Johnson’s responsibility to address any breaches by her former tenants.

Another landlord, Zara Toony, is also considering legal action against the charity. Toony reported damages to her properties, estimating costs at $100,000. She expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Salvation Army regarding the situation.

Toony’s agreement for two properties in Oshawa recently ended, but she claims that the tenants are still living there and have indicated they intend to pay her directly. “Now, I’m disappointed. I need a response,” she said, reflecting the sentiment of many landlords caught in this transitional period.

Community Impact and Future Support

The termination of the Salvation Army’s housing program comes at a critical time, as the region grapples with rising homelessness. With the charity’s support ending, many residents face uncertainty about their housing situations.

McIntosh mentioned that Durham Region is actively working to inform affected tenants about resources and options available to them as the program concludes. “We do end agreements according to the terms set out when there isn’t consistent compliance with the requirements,” she stated.

As the region explores alternative support mechanisms, the plight of those affected by this program’s closure remains a pressing concern. The Salvation Army, while facing criticism from landlords, maintains its commitment to assisting tenants during this challenging transition. The future of housing support in Durham Region will depend on the collaboration between local agencies and the community as they seek to address the ongoing homelessness crisis.