Homelessness Services

There are people in Clarington who are living without stable, permanent, appropriate housing. The Regional Municipality of Durham is responsible for all social services in all Durham municipalities, including Clarington. This includes safe, temporary shelter and supports for residents with no safe accommodation options.

Winter Warming

Clarington’s Winter Warming Centre is located at 181 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville. It's open seven days a week from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. December to March 31. Showers, washers and dryers are available. Pet-friendly. Operated by Do Unto Others. 

If you need assistance getting to a warming program or shelter, Housing outreach agencies can provide transportation help, or you can contact Durham Region’s Street Outreach Team at HomelessHelp@durham.ca or by calling 905-666-6239 ext. 5510 or 1-888-721-0622 ext. 5510 or 311 ext. 5510.

Cooling Centres

Cooling Centres provide a safe place for people to cool down when it is hot outside. The Region of Durham provides a list of Cooling Centres in Clarington in addition to others across Durham. 

Do you need support?

If you need support or shelter, please contact Durham Region at HomelessHelp@Durham.ca or call 905-666-6239 ext. 5510. The Outreach Team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Food banks and meal programs

Find information about food support programs, including community meals and food banks on 211 Durham or call or text 2-1-1.

Through resident donations, Clarington's Animal Services division supplies pet food to people struggling to feed their pets. Pet accessories such as dishes, carriers, or toys may also be provided, subject to availability. 

Services in Clarington

Bowmanville Library, 163 Church Street, Bowmanville

  • Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Sunday 12:30 to 5 p.m. 
  • Nonperishable food cupboard stocked by Feed the Need, free computers, Wi-Fi, a climate-controlled space, and washrooms. 

John Howard Society, 132 Church Street, Bowmanville

  • Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Serves youth and adults in areas such as counselling, employment, literacy, housing, and addictions.

Time Location Services
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bowmanville Library, 163 Church Street, Bowmanville ODSP Drop-in. Assistance for those receiving or applying for the Ontario Disability Support Program.
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 127 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville  The Rock Café. Dinner served at St. Joseph's Church.

Time Location Services
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Bowmanville Library, 163 Church Street, Bowmanville

Welcome Centre Immigrant Services. Assistance with settlement papers and newcomer services.
9:30 a.m. to noon Bowmanville Library, 163 Church Street, Bowmanville John Howard Society Durham Region Housing Support. Assistance with housing, a caseworker is available on-site to help with housing/landlord/tenant needs. 
10 to 11:30 a.m.  St. Andrew's Presbyterian and St. Paul's United Church, 178 Church Street, Bowmanville BLUE Café. Breakfast snacks like yogurt, cheese, baked goods, fruit, coffee/tea, hot chocolate, music and bingo. All seeking a warm community and a safe space are welcome. Free toiletries and a food pantry are available. Silver Street doors open about 9 a.m. Coffee begins at 10 a.m.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Andrew's Presbyterian and St. Paul's United Church, 178 Church Street, Bowmanville Clothing Cupboard. Seasonal clothes and footwear for men, women and children at no cost. Call 905-623-7361 for other availability.
12:30 to 3 p.m. Salvation Army, 75 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville Food Pantry and Coffee Hub. Coffee, snacks and a warm space are available whenever the Pantry is open. Groceries can be obtained once each month.

Time Location Services
9 to 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. Salvation Army, 75 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville Food Pantry and Coffee Hub. Coffee, snacks and a warm space are available whenever the Pantry is open. Groceries can be obtained once each month.
10 to 11:45 a.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 127 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville  St Vincent de Paul Food Bank. Clients can pick up five to seven days' worth of groceries once a month. Backpacks with supplies, including scarves, socks, and non-perishables, whenever the food bank is open. 

Time Location Services
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. St. Andrew's Presbyterian and St. Paul's United Church, 178 Church Street, Bowmanville

Bread of Life Social Justice Café. Free hot meals available; also open to paying customers who can buy lunch, and if able, add a little extra to pay for another’s meal. Dine in or take out. Several menu selections each week.
12:30 to 3 p.m. Salvation Army, 75 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville

Food Pantry and Coffee Hub. Coffee, snacks and a warm space are available whenever the Pantry is open. Groceries can be obtained once each month.
4 to 4:45 p.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 127 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville St Vincent de Paul Food Bank. Clients can pick up five to seven days' worth of groceries once a month. Backpacks with supplies, including scarves, socks, and non-perishables, whenever the food bank is open. 

Time Location Services
4:30 doors open. 5 p.m. dinner. Second Friday of the month. September to June. St. Andrew's Presbyterian and St. Paul's United Church, 178 Church Street, Bowmanville Gathering Place Community Dinner. Delicious hot meal served family style, no cost. All welcome.  Clothing Cupboard open. 

Time Location Services
4:30 to 6 p.m.  St. John's Anglican Church, 11 Temperance Street, Bowmanville Saturday Soul Suppers. Delicious home-made meals and accompaniments. Necessities on hand. 

Time Location Services
12:30 to 5 p.m. Bowmanville Library, 163 Church Street, Bowmanville The library is open for regular services, warming and food pantry.

How you can help

If you see a vulnerable resident who needs support, learn more from the Region of Durham about how you can help.

Contact Us

Address: 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6

Phone: 905-623-3379
TTY: 1-844-790-1599

Stay in touch

From upcoming park openings to local events, development proposals, things to do in Clarington, construction notices and service interruptions – we invite you to learn what’s happening in your neighbourhood right from the source.

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