Midhurst/April 16, 2025 – The County of Simcoe is supporting its community partner to provide temporary housing for at-risk youth in the region as construction continues on Youth Haven’s permanent facility.
Due to unexpected construction delays, the County of Simcoe has assisted Youth Haven to ease the immense financial burden of temporarily housing its residents in a hotel during its transition time. Due to the operational needs of the organization, the County is offering its space in one of the modulars on Blake Street as a temporary home for Youth Haven during this anticipated delay, which will assist with reduced costs while affording a space that is more conducive to their needs. With this new temporary space, residents are able to live in a facility that includes residential and communal space, programming areas, and food preparation areas.
“The County recognizes the great work that is done by Youth Haven and others in our community to support at-risk youth. Because of the importance of Youth Haven and others in our communities, we assist many not-for-profit partners across the region through funding, programming and other supports. We are fortunate to have the modular buildings available to support urgent needs such as this. Supporting our youth is vital and I’m also pleased that we will be reducing overall costs to taxpayers through this temporary solution.”
Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe
The builders contracted for the new Youth Haven facility have indicated that they anticipate building completion by early summer 2025. With this timeline, it is anticipated that Youth Haven’s residents will be moving into their new permanent home relatively early in the summer of 2025.
The County of Simcoe, in consultation with the City of Barrie’s planning department, have authorized up to 24 beds for Youth Haven’s temporary relocation to one of the County’s modular buildings on its Blake Street site as of April 1, 2025. Youth Haven intends to have 19 of these beds occupied, allowing for 5 additional beds on an emergency “as needed” basis. While many of these youth are enrolled in school or are employed, the program will operate with 24/7 on-site staff and security. While this urgent need from Youth Haven is being addressed, the County has chosen to pause its previously planned and communicated Supportive Rapid Rehousing Program for seniors at this time.
About Youth Haven
Youth Haven offers support to youth between the ages of 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless, providing them with the care, guidance, programs, and life skills necessary to promote their well-being and security.
Our team is made up of qualified and dedicated professionals committed to helping youth in Simcoe County develop the life skills needed to live independently, empowering them to become healthy, productive individuals. Youth Haven is led by a Board of Directors and includes an Executive Director, Director of Services, Director of Fund Development, Manager of Transitional Housing, Life Skills Coordinator & Case Managers, along with outreach and in-shelter Youth Workers. Our staff is available 24/7/365, ensuring that qualified support is always on-site.
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.