Back Door Mission Offers a Low Barrier Access Hub for Essential Supports and Opportunities

The security of home ownership provides the stability of reassuranceand comfort.  However, in 2025, Ontariois facing a significant homelessness crisis, with estimates suggesting manypeople are experiencing homelessness. Specifically, there are estimatesof 80,000 to 234,000 Ontarians experiencinghomelessness. Without significant intervention, homelessness could doubleor even triple in the coming years.  While specific percentage figures of the total populationexperiencing homelessness are not readily available, the data indicate that theissue is widespread and growing. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)reports that known homelessness has increased by over 25% since 2022.Furthermore, it's important to note that a significant portion of thoseexperiencing homelessness are chronically homeless (defined as being homelessfor at least a year or repeatedly in the past three years.   The Back Door Mission operates the Mission United Project, alow-barrier access hub for essential supports, social services, and primaryhealth care. ​ MissionUnited provides wrap-around support services to individuals in Durham Regionwho are dealing with homelessness, housing insecurity, mental health andaddiction concerns, and food access challenges. Through this collaboration andyour continued support, the Back Door Mission continues to provide the bestcare for a community in need. Nathan Gardner is the Executive Director at theBack Door Mission.  He’s a communitydevelopment professional with a background in social sciences and education. Ihave been fortunate to work in several sectors, including community health,post-secondary student affairs, and recently in social planning. I have apassion for team building and inspiring others, which has included bothvolunteer coaching roles and professional management. My core values include servingthose who require support, servant leadership, and a big emphasis on teamworkand collaboration. He joined me this week to discuss the important work his organizationdoes, and the steps needed to end homelessness, dependency on addiction, andfood insecurity across the province of Ontario.   For more information: https://www.backdoormission.ca/ LinkedIn: @NathanGardner Email: ngardner@backdoormission.ca