The Busby Centre aims to support the shortest path from homelessness to housing for people in their programs.
After operating from a limited space within 88 Mulcaster St. for many years, The Busby Centre is seizing an opportunity to purchase and renovate 88-90 Mulcaster St. to create an ideal space for tackling homelessness in Barrie.
“This is such an exciting moment for everyone who knows the organization,” shares Louise Jackson, capital campaign manager. “After operating from a rental space for the last 20 years, The Busby Centre is finally getting a home!”
The new space will enable The Busby Centre to expand on its current services.
“Our long-term goal is to provide temporary housing,” Jackson explains. “When people look for a place to rent, they often need to provide a reference, which is impossible for those who have been homeless. We want to remove that barrier.”
Along with housing, the new facility will have a designated medical room and a classroom where learning sessions on budgeting or gaining employment can take place.
It will also have the basics available for those who need them — such as food, a place to shower and access to computers.
To cover these costs, The Busby Centre aims to fundraise $2.2 million in the next year.
“Our fundraising goal also covers the cost of running the centre for a year, including some new staff,” shares Jackson. “We want to have a mental health nurse available to participants.”
Jackson goes on to explain that people struggling with their mental health can find it difficult to get or maintain employment — making the route out of homelessness even harder.
The Busby Centre’s expansion comes at a time of increasing need for the services in Barrie. Jackson describes how COVID-19, the opioid crisis, the rising cost of living and a mental health crisis have created a perfect storm across Canada.
“We are all one incident away from homelessness,” Jackson states. “Maybe a tragedy, an accident or a mental health crisis. Everyone is someone and sometimes we just need a hand up to get back on our feet.”
If you would like to get involved, find out more at busbycentre.ca. You can donate toward the organization’s new home at canadahelps.org.
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