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
- Salvation Army Family Shelter – 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 shelters, please see the following documents:
To access a shelter program, contact 211 for assistance or contact the shelter in your local community directly.
- Recently, the County centralized the Motel Voucher Program through Community Connections’ 211 services.
- This program allows spaces to dynamically expand as needed. It gives access to adults and families with children, along with those who cannot access the shelter system for varying reasons, an opportunity for alternative accessible space.
- This service also assists with transportation to participating motel locations throughout the County, as currently, homelessness outreach services do not provide client transportation. Clients utilizing this option are required to complete full intake.
- Since November 2024, the County of Simcoe has begun permanently transitioning 48 seniors (55+) living in emergency shelters to assisted living programs and modular rapid rehousing programs.
- The two programs opened up an additional 44 emergency shelter beds that would have previously been used by these individuals.
- The County funds nine outreach services that will continue to offer support to those who may choose to remain outside.
- 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 facilitate access to shelter or respite beds and offer 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.
- The County’s Supportive Rapid Re-Housing Program (SRRP) is a temporary program designed to assist individuals who are facing homelessness transition into permanent housing within a short period of time (typically 180 days).
- Clients are considered low-risk individuals who have been impacted by situational homelessness.
- People who live in the SRRP units are supported through all aspects of the move-in process, including:
- unit viewings
- reviewing leases
- furnishing apartments
- establishing connections
- Social service system navigation
- Intensive case management supports
- On-going follow-up supports are provided to ensure clients are adapting well and support they require is available.
- During the SRRP housing period, residents are provided full wrap-around services including mental health, addiction, employment supports and other needs.