Midhurst/May 18, 2023 – The County of Simcoe, in partnership with Redwood Park Communities, will operate a temporary supportive housing program on its Rose Street property in Barrie starting in June 2023. The temporary supportive housing program will utilize the modular buildings previously used as the temporary winter shelter at the Rose Street site.
The temporary supportive housing program is expected to house up to 24 individuals on a short-term basis who are currently experiencing homelessness. The program will provide housing with a number of wrap-around services and supports provided by Redwood Park Communities and community service providers, with the goal of transitioning clients to permanent, safe and sustainable housing.
With up to 24 temporary supportive housing spaces at Rose Street, combined with the six transitional spaces that were added to Lucy’s Place late last year, and the 14 supportive spaces that were constructed on Tiffin Street earlier this year, the County and area partners have created housing for approximately 44 individuals who were experiencing homelessness in the past year alone in the Barrie area. Further investments and programs in the County’s summer social and community services program will be announced in the coming weeks.
To support with 2023/24 winter sheltering, this modular structure will include appropriate programming throughout the winter season to ensure the health and safety of those who are living unhoused in our community until the construction of the Rose Street building begins in early spring 2024.
Long-term plan for the Rose Street site
County Council voted to endorse the plan to develop a 176-unit mixed-use building at the County’s Rose Street location earlier this year with a $186 million commitment to this site. Pre-construction is expected to begin on this site in spring 2024 to create diverse or mixed rental housing and house a variety of community services including an Ontario Works office, community programming, and other amenities (such as a possible daycare space, medical offices, and more). Affordable housing created through the Rose Street development will allow low to moderate income households, and will provide homes for single individuals, families and seniors in need.
This is just one more way that the County is #BuildingUp our communities. For updates on the Rose Street location, short- and long-term plans for the site, and renderings of the newly-approved building, visit simcoe.ca/RoseStreet <<< 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.
Quotes
“As we continue building up our communities across the region, this is another important step in providing housing and supports to some of our most vulnerable residents. We’re pleased to find alternative and impactful uses for these modular buildings, as we work to move individuals from being unhoused to independent living.”
~ Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe
“Redwood is committed to helping build supportive communities where everyone has a safe, affordable, hopeful place to call home. Our team at Redwood is excited to work with the County of Simcoe and our community partners on this innovative project.”
~ Tim Kent, Co-founder and CEO, Redwood Park Communities
– 30 –
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