Building Stronger Communities. Changing Lives.
For more than 55 years, Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) has worked alongside individuals, families, organizations and communities across Durham Region to respond to changing needs, strengthen participation and contribute to a more equitable, inclusive and socially just community.
CDCD is Durham Region’s local Social Planning Council and is a member of the Social Planning Network of Ontario (SPNO). In this role, CDCD works to improve the well-being of residents through social research, community engagement, planning and community development initiatives.
Our work combines practical services with community partnerships, research and social planning to respond to immediate needs while contributing to longer-term community solutions.
Our Purpose and Principles
Our Vision, Mission and Core Values guide how we work with people, communities and partners across Durham Region.
The Community We Envision
An equitable, inclusive, and socially just community where everyone can find a sense of purpose and meaningful participation.
How We Work Toward It
Our mission is to partner, collaborate, and advocate to identify and address community needs through research, informing policy and delivering impactful programs and services that enhance and promote well-being.
The Values Behind Our Work
Our values shape how we serve, collaborate, make decisions and remain accountable.
Connecting Immediate Support With Long-Term Community Change
CDCD exists to help strengthen communities by understanding regional needs, supporting effective responses and bringing people and organizations together to create sustainable solutions.
Our work connects what happens at the individual level with what happens at the community and systems level. We provide and support services that respond to immediate needs, while also using research, social planning, partnerships and community development to better understand the issues affecting Durham Region and contribute to longer-term solutions.
Supporting People. Strengthening Communities.
Our programs and services respond to a range of needs across Durham Region. Explore our work or visit What We Do to find a specific program or service.
Housing & Homelessness
Supporting people who are experiencing homelessness, are under-housed or are at risk of losing their housing.
Explore Housing & Homelessness →Newcomer Community Services
Supporting newcomers through settlement, school-based services, youth programming, wellness, community connections and digital literacy.
Explore Newcomer Services →Welcome Centre & Immigrant Services
Providing settlement, employment, language, counselling and other newcomer supports through Durham’s Welcome Centres.
Explore Welcome Centre Services →Humanitarian Programs
Supporting refugees and other eligible newcomers through coordinated humanitarian response and resettlement assistance.
Explore Humanitarian Programs →Social Planning & Community Development
Using research, community engagement, partnerships and collaborative initiatives to understand needs and strengthen Durham communities.
Explore Community Development →
More Than 55 Years of Responding to Community Needs
Since 1970, CDCD has evolved alongside Durham Region, adapting programs, building partnerships and responding to emerging community needs.
Community Impact in Action
Our impact is reflected not only in the services we deliver, but in the people we support, the relationships we build, the capacity we strengthen and the community knowledge we help bring forward.
Founded 1970
2024 Annual Report
2024 Annual Report
Our Commitment to Belonging
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in their community and to access services, resources and opportunities with dignity and respect.
Be Part of Our Community
Whether you are looking for support, want to contribute your time, are interested in partnering with us or want to learn more about our work, there are many ways to connect with CDCD.