Midhurst/March 21, 2023 – The County of Simcoe would like to advise that the temporary homeless shelter, located at 20 Rose Street in Barrie, is winding down and will be operating at reduced capacity. Over the coming weeks, current shelter users will continue to be assisted in finding permanent housing options, or, as necessary, further supported through the permanent shelter system.
In the future, the Rose Street site will be used for an affordable housing development. For details on the County’s Rose Street project, visit the site here.
To support those experiencing homelessness, looking for shelter beds or other assistance, please visit simcoe.ca/findshelter or call 2-1-1. Day services are available at the Busby Centre home location at 88 Mulcaster Street. If residents have questions regarding the shelter system, information can be accessed via the County’s website or by contacting our Community Services department at (705) 722-3132, extension 1470.
About the Simcoe County Shelter System
The County of Simcoe provides leadership to the local system of homelessness prevention programs including administration of provincial, federal, and municipal funding to service providers across the region. In December 2022, the County, in conjunction with support from the City of Barrie, responded to local need by funding the temporary Rose Street shelter as an additional, temporary shelter option.
County funded shelters in Simcoe County include:
- Elizabeth Fry Society, serving women and gender diverse individuals – Barrie
- La Maison Rosewood Shelter, serving women and children – Midland
- Salvation Army Bayside Mission, serving men – Barrie
- S.H.I.F.T. – Alliston (temporary winter sheltering)
- The Busby Centre – Barrie
- The Busby Centre – Collingwood (temporary winter sheltering)
- The Guesthouse – Midland
- The Lighthouse – Orillia
- Youth Haven, serving youth ages 16 to 24 years old – Barrie
For more information on the County’s homelessness prevention strategy, visit simcoe.ca/findshelter.
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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Media Contacts:
Collin Matanowitsch
Public Relations Manager
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca
Andrea Walasek
Public Relations Consultant
249-535-3511 (mobile)
Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca