928 SydenHam Road
CFOC-Doors of Compassion has been selected to operate the new 30-bed shelter at 928 Sydenham Road. Our team brings proven experience in shelter operations, trauma-informed care, and effective community integration to support Kingston’s broader homelessness response.
What This Means for Kingston
The 928 Sydenham Road site is an important step in expanding equitable, accessible shelter services across Kingston.
Doors of Compassion is committed to:
- Supporting community safety and wellbeing.
- Reducing stigma by fostering understanding and connection.
- Providing compassionate, housing-focused care that helps people move forward.
- Being a responsive, transparent partner to residents, stakeholders, and local services.
Shelter Update
Community Information sessions
On January 29, we held an online panel discussion featuring representatives from CFOC-Doors of Compassion and the City of Kingston. A recording of the session is now available on YouTube.
On February 12, we welcomed members of the Kingston community into the 928 Sydenham Road shelter for guided tours and meaningful conversation. A recorded walk-through of the new shelter is now available on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I understand that Doors of Compassion has several shelters in Durham Region. Who from the Doors of Compassion team will operate the shelter in Kingston?
The 928 Sydenham Road shelter will be managed within an existing Shelter Manager portfolio, led by a professional with nearly 30 years of experience in social services. CFOC–DOC team members are planning to relocate to Kingston, and additional staff will be hired locally. There will always be a minimum of three staff on duty. You can contact the Sydenham Road shelter via email at doc928@cfoc.ca or by phone at 613-483-6771.
Q. How will clients be selected for the shelter?
We call our clients ‘patrons’. City staff will partner with CFOC-DOC to move patrons into the shelter through a coordinated access approach. Individuals will only be admitted through this referral process and will not show up at the shelter unless they have an appointment. The goal is to place individuals in services and locations in a phased approach where they are best aligned for success. Anyone over the age of 18 can be referred, provided they need housing-focused support and agree to abide by shelter rules and expectations.
Q. How would you deal with a complaint from neighbours?
CFOC-DOC will always listen to concerns and work with shelter residents to resolve issues. Doors of Compassion is committed to being a good neighbour. We also participate in a Community Liaison Committee that can meet to address issues.
Q. Will there be a safe injection site at the shelter?
No. There will not be a safe injection site at the shelter and drug use is not permitted on site.
Q. What will happen if there is drug use onsite or in the surrounding area?
Drug use will not be permitted on shelter premises or in the surrounding area. Residents found using drugs could be at risk of losing their bed.
Q. What steps will be taken to ensure community safety?
Operating a safe environment is the top priority of the City and CFOC-DOC. CFOC-DOC will monitor and maintain the site, conduct ongoing conversations and house meetings to foster respect for the neighbourhood, and ensure security is present. A curfew will also be in place to help reduce loitering.
