40-bed facility brought to community will add to local capacity in coming weeks
Midhurst/November 4, 2024 – Late yesterday afternoon, a convoy of trucks rolled into Barrie carrying the County of Simcoe’s latest modular purchase to date, a 40-bed facility that will ease system and capacity pressures locally for those living unsheltered in the community.
This facility will form part of the Campus of Care, announced by Barrie Cares and the County of Simcoe in October. The modular building will immediately be utilized to support the County of Simcoe’s winter response strategy; providing a 24/7 40 bed program for those currently living unsheltered. This supportive bridge housing program will also provide 24/7 on-site supports and services for unsheltered individuals to secure sustainable and permanent housing outcomes.
This facility is expected to open in the coming weeks after installation has been completed.
Supporting vulnerable individuals in our community
The County’s 10-Point Homelessness Prevention Strategy is a strong, data-driven strategy created to help the most vulnerable in our communities through initiatives that have been proven effective in other regions and across the communities we serve. It 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 identified in the plan 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.
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.
