Homelessness System

For information on the Shelter System, Winter Sheltering and Warming Centres, click here.

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. Infosheet - homelessness 10 point plan.jpg

Infosheet - homelessness 10 point plan.jpg

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 publically 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 (temporary winter sheltering)
The Busby Centre – Barrie
The Busby Centre – Collingwood (temporary winter sheltering)
The Guesthouse – Midland
The Lighthouse – Orillia
Youth Haven, serving youth ages 16 to 24 years old – Barrie

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.

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.