Midhurst/October 10, 2023 – Earlier today, County Council was presented with the proposed homelessness services’ winter response plan for 2023-2024. As part of the County’s 10-point homelessness prevention strategy, this winter response plan highlights proposed actions to support our unhoused population throughout the coldest months of the year.
“We recognize the need for additional supports throughout the winter months to ensure that no one is left out in the cold who is seeking a space indoors, » said General Manager Mina Fayez-Bahgat. “County Council continues its significant commitment and support to our social and community services actions, ideas and strategies. As needs increase in our region, Council and staff are taking a proactive approach to build up the lives of those who need our support the most. »
The winter response plan outlines the County’s enhanced support with:
- winter warming centres – opening 7 days per week during the winter months
- additional mobile response outreach teams supporting additional warming and transportation to shelters during inclement weather
- activation for alternate spaces and temporary overflow beds in shelters, with up to an additional 107 available spaces, over and above the 224 shelter beds already in the system
- new tools to assist the public, service providers, and municipalities in accessing live to-the-minute data on each local homeless shelter’s current bed capacity
The real-time data available through the new homelessness dashboard will allow the public and stakeholders to see exactly where and when spaces are available and allow the County and its partners to plan ahead and monitor effectiveness of the long-term strategy. The development of this dashboard will continue to help the County make the best decisions and implement its 10-point homelessness strategy.
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 find 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