Who We Are
Mission
We partner with those who are on the path from homelessness to home by providing: non-judgmental support, safety, affordable housing, community and hope.
Cornerstone offers individualized support services, food, shelter and transitional housing to men 16+, women and families throughout Durham region.
We meet people at a point of crisis and partner with them as they navigate through their circumstance. Established in 1967 as a men’s hostel, today Cornerstone offers much more to those vulnerable members of the community. You can contact our shelter intake line 905-433-0254 ext. 2280 and speak to someone anytime. Our shelter intake line is staffed 24 hours/day seven days a week.
The goal of our housing program is to provide opportunities for re-integration so that people without housing can make the transition from homelessness to home; from the margins of our communities to full citizenship with all of its rights and responsibilities.
We have learned that homelessness is not intractable.
When provided with affordable housing and individualized support, homeless individuals are able to sustain their housing and meet their rental obligations for long periods. Once they have become tenants with a stable rent payment history, they are able to consider other housing options in the community.
Cornerstone supports our residents through many programs and services.
While finding appropriate housing for our clients is a top priority, we also provide support that will help them reach the ultimate goal of independence. Support focuses on building life and employment skills, good health and a positive sense of community rather than isolation.
Our Services include:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner for our residents
- Psychologist
- Employment assistance
- Life skills workshops
- Community kitchen program
- Referral services
Cornerstone's Operational Principles:
- People in need of housing are a resource and must be engaged as partners in establishing the vision, setting the goals and objectives and carrying out the work of creating opportunities for re-integration.
- The transition from life without housing to life with a permanent home requires more than bricks and mortar. It is the transition from a life of vulnerability and isolation to a life of security within community. Those who are actively involved in making this transition need to have access to an appropriate level of support throughout the process.
- People without housing should have as much choice as possible in determining the type of housing and the level of support that they need in order to live successfully in our community.
“Unless shelters are places of transition, they are part of the problem.”
Former Executive Director
