The County of Simcoe says its temporary shelter on Rose Street in north-end Barrie will remain open until April 30.
In a news release issued Tuesday morning, the county says the facility is "winding down and will be operating at reduced capacity."
"Over the coming weeks, current shelter users will continue to be assisted in finding permanent housing options, or, as necessary, further supported through the permanent shelter system," the county stated.
In the future, the Rose Street site will be used for an affordable housing development. For details on the county’s Rose Street project, visit simcoe.ca/RoseStreet.
To support people who are homelessness, looking for shelter beds or other assistance, visit simcoe.ca/findshelter or call 2-1-1. Day services are available at the Busby Centre's home location at 88 Mulcaster St., in Barrie.
If residents have questions regarding the shelter system, information can be accessed through the county’s website or by contacting the Community Services department at 705-722-3132, ext. 1470.
The county oversees the local system of homelessness prevention programs, including administration of provincial, federal and municipal funding to service providers across the region. In December 2022, the county, in conjunction with support from the City of Barrie, responded to local need by funding the temporary Rose Street shelter as an additional, temporary shelter option.
County-funded shelters in the region include:
· Salvation Army Bayside Mission, serving men – Barrie
· Elizabeth Fry Society, serving women and gender diverse individuals – Barrie
· Youth Haven, serving youth ages 16 to 24 years old – Barrie
· The Busby Centre – Barrie
· The Busby Centre – Collingwood (temporary winter sheltering)
· La Maison Rosewood Shelter, serving women and children – Midland
· The Guesthouse – Midland
· The Lighthouse – Orillia
· S.H.I.F.T. – Alliston (temporary winter sheltering)
For more information on the county’s homelessness prevention strategy, visit simcoe.ca/findshelter.
