Midhurst/October 13, 2023 – The County of Simcoe is introducing its new data tool to support its 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy and further assist people in need in our communities. This new tool will help inform enhancements, resourcing and strategies that support homelessness prevention and shelter efforts by tracking real-time data of shelter usage and other trends across the region. The tool was built to support County Council, municipalities, system operators, residents and service providers in better understanding the ever-changing needs of regional shelter and homelessness prevention system, and is available at open.simcoe.ca <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
“County Council is committed to making the right investments that make the biggest impact, while continuing to support our unhoused residents, our agency partners and our community at large,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “This important data now available to us will further assist in continuing to make well-informed, system-wide decisions to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable residents, when and where they need it the most.”
The County will now be able to share the occupancy and capacity through its Daily Shelter & Motel Voucher Program dashboard, offering a holistic view of shelter system usage across the county. This data, which includes individuals who are known to have used shelter services at least once over the preceding three months and includes an anonymous analysis of key variables that affect vulnerable populations and shelter users.
Real-time data at our fingertips through this tool will help us gain access to:
- Accurate data and point-in-time information
- Shelter capacity on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
- Community trends and priority areas
- Flow of clients within the system
- Identifiable gaps to address where investments and resources can be adjusted if needed
- Overall accountability for the system
The data tool is now available at open.simcoe.ca <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>. For further information and ongoing updates on the homelessness prevention plan and other community-building initiatives, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>> or call 211.
This is just one more way that the County is #BuildingUp our communities. For updates on how the County of Simcoe is investing in our region, visit simcoe.ca/BuildingUp <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
About the County’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy
The County of Simcoe’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy provides a strong, data-driven plan to help vulnerable residents and our communities. The strategy includes a considerable added investment toward the goal of preventing and ending chronic homelessness.
The 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 finding new housing opportunities, enhancing community shelter services and standards, and improving safety and well-being throughout the community. For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem <<< 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