Midhurst/June 6, 2023 – The County of Simcoe is implementing a 10-point strategy designed specifically to assist with the prevention of homelessness across the region. This plan provides a strong, data-driven strategy to help vulnerable residents and our communities. The strategy includes a considerable added investment toward the goal of preventing and ending chronic homelessness.
The goals identified use proven methods to create a safer community for all, with the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness at the forefront. They take a collaborative approach to build up communities, service providers, the business community, and residents from all walks of life. Through this plan, the County continues to partner and work collaboratively with the cities of Barrie and Orillia alongside its member municipalities to continue to prevent and end chronic homelessness.
This strategy makes affordable housing even more attainable by increasing supply, creating “deep rent subsidies, » increasing eviction prevention services and improving available shelter. It commits the County to find new housing opportunities, enhancing community shelter services and standards, and improving safety and well-being throughout the community.
“This is an important and forward thinking strategy that is informed by our data and feedback received from area partners, » said Warden Basil Clarke. “This plan builds up our communities with specific and measurable goals that can be achieved in a relatively short period of time. It creates opportunities for those experiencing homelessness in our community to move forward through the housing continuum. I am incredibly proud that this new 10-point strategy will contribute to building up the lives of unhoused residents across the region in this time of increased need. »
With additional funding support provided by the Province this year, the County is taking significant action to:
- Make affordable housing more attainable to end homelessness
- Creating new supportive housing programs
- Creating peace of mind when using services
- Improving safety and well-being for the community as a whole
- Increasing housing availability in current programs
- Creating easier ways to help access services
- Enhancing our community shelters services and standards
- Increasing eviction prevention services and access to housing for families
- Improving shelter on the housing continuum
- Finding new opportunities
This investment and support strategy was approved by the Province and has received initial endorsement from County of Simcoe’s Committee of the Whole, which includes representatives from all sixteen member municipalities and two separated cities. Consultation with area partners has been extensive and the plan is being presented to the City of Barrie on June 7th. For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
This is just one more way that the County is #BuildingUp our communities. For updates on the how the County of Simcoe is investing in our communities, visit simcoe.ca/BuildingUp <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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CONTACTS:
Andrea Walasek
Public Relations Consultant
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
249-535-3511 (mobile)
Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca