10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy
The County of Simcoe has recently introduced new dashboards to support its 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy and further assist people in need in our communities. For access to real-time shelter usage data that reflect the ever-changing needs of our homelessness prevention system, visit open.simcoe.ca.
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. They take a collaborative approach to build up communities, understanding the important relationship that is established when working together with all levels of government, service providers, the business community, and residents from all walks of life.
This is just one more way that the County is #BuildingUp our communities. For updates on the how the County of Simcoe is investing in our communities, visit simcoe.ca/BuildingUp.
Available Services
Should you have any questions regarding homelessness supports and services in Simcoe County, please contact the Community Services department at communityservicesdepartment@simcoe.ca or 705-722-3132, ext. 1470.
Shelter System
Local shelters and service providers deliver and manage homelessness prevention services and operations. While the shelter system is publicly funded, local shelters are not directly operated by the County of Simcoe. Emergency homeless shelters in Simcoe County include:
- Elizabeth Fry Society, serving women and gender diverse – Barrie
- La Maison Rosewood Shelter, serving women and children – Midland
- Salvation Army Bayside Mission, serving men – Barrie
- S.H.I.F.T. – Alliston
- The Busby Centre – Barrie
- The Busby Centre – Collingwood
- The Guesthouse – Midland
- The Lighthouse – Orillia
- Youth Haven, serving youth ages 16 to 24 years old – Barrie
Street Outreach
Enhanced street outreach services provide outreach to those experiencing homelessness 365 days a year, seven days a week, with increased emphasis during extreme winter temperatures. Outreach teams offer a range of services to those who are vulnerable and who may not otherwise access shelters. Outreach teams facilitate access to shelter or respite beds in addition to offering individualized supports to help with accessing a range of services such as income supports, mental health and addiction services, health care services and assisting individuals to develop plans to transition from to more permanent housing options.
For detailed information on Barrie-area shelters, please see the following documents:
To access a shelter program, contact 211 for assistance or contact the shelter in your local community directly.