Township Shares Social Services Survey Results

On Sept. 16^th, 2024, the Township, in partnership with Durham Region’s Social Services Department, conducted a survey to identify priority social services needs in the Township. The survey ran for 7 weeks and a total of 225 surveys were completed and collected. The key findings are summarized below.

The top three social issues identified within the community include: lack of affordable housing, food insecurity, and mental health.

The following themes emerged from suggestions for social programs and services most needed within the community:

Affordable housing and homelessness support – Many expressed an urgent need around affordable housing and wraparound support for people experiencing homelessness.

Mental health, addiction, and isolation supports – Respondents suggested improving access to free mental health counselling, crisis response, addiction treatment, and programs to reduce isolation. Some noted a need for targeted support for youth, families, and older adults.

Communication and awareness-raising – Comments spoke to the need for improved communication and awareness about existing social programs and services using multiple channels (e.g., print, face-to-face, and online).

Recreation and volunteering – Respondents emphasized the need for accessible programs for various ages (e.g., community gardens, skill-building opportunities, exercise programs).

Food access – A number noted a gap in affordable grocery stores and suggested expanding food bank services, school programs, food kitchens, and transportation to support access.

These findings will help the Township suggest potential enhancements to locally delivered services. Thank-you to everyone who participated.

To learn more about social services in Durham Region, please visit https://www.durham.ca/en/regional-government/social-services.aspx