Ensuring easier access to supports, services, and resources
Midhurst/May 24, 2024 – Following the October 2023 Hope, Housing, and Health homelessness prevention forum in Midland, the County of Simcoe and Town of Midland are pleased to release a new Community Response Toolkit. This reader-friendly guidebook is available to those across North Simcoe who want to know more about supportingvulnerable people in their own communities and aims to unite everyone in championing a brighter future for unhoused individuals.
The Toolkit contains helpful information on access to supports, services, and resources available in the area including health resources, community safety information, and a “Who to Call” poster. It also provides tips and guidance for concerned individuals when interacting with persons experiencing challenges to help connect them with the right local service providers.
The Who to Call poster is a quick-reference sheet that can be hung or kept in a convenient and accessible location. It includes direct contact information for emergency and non-emergency services, and for local service providers who are able to provide a range of services, including, mental health, housing, and other community supports.
The Community Response Toolkit and Who to Call poster are available for download at Simcoe.ca/midlandtoolkit.
This is just one more way that the County is Building Up our communities. For updates on the how the County of Simcoe is investing in our communities, visit simcoe.ca/BuildingUp.
Quotes
“During our October 2023 Hope, Housing, and Health homelessness prevention forum, the County of Simcoe and the Town of Midland worked to bring community leaders together to help vulnerable individuals. Community service partners and funding agencies worked as a team to share resources, develop strong strategies, and improve services. It is because of this level of collaboration that we were able to provide this comprehensive toolkit, available to our community as a whole, so we can provide even greater support to those who need us.”
Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe
“This guidebook provides much-needed resources to our residents, business owners and our most vulnerable citizens experiencing challenges in their lives. The resulting work of last year’s symposium is a positive step forward in making Midland a safe and vibrant place for all. We are grateful for the County’s support and the community’s input to further our efforts in connecting at-risk citizens to support services in the Midland area.”
Mayor Bill Gordon, Town of Midland
About the County’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Plan
The County of Simcoe’s 10-point homelessness prevention strategy creates a strong, data-driven strategy to help the most vulnerable in our communities through initiatives that have been proven effective in other regions. 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 opportunities, enhance community shelter services, and improve safety throughout the community. The goals use proven methods that create a safer community for all, with the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness at the forefront.
About the County of Simcoe
The 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.