NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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Due to anticipated cold weather over the upcoming holiday season, the County of Simcoe has chosen to proactively activate the Alternate Spaces Strategy from Dec. 20, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025, should weather become inclement during this time.
To ensure the health and safety of those living unhoused in communities across Simcoe County, this comprehensive system response increases available warming and shelter spaces as the region approaches the coldest nights of the year.
Additionally, the county will be activating warming centre locations, outreach services, and enhancing the motel voucher program from Dec. 20 to 23, inclusive. The motel voucher program will be expanded to include any individual who is unable to access shelter spaces or warming centres from Dec. 20 to 23, inclusive, and transportation to available spaces will be available through Community Connection. Referrals to the motel voucher program’s winter warming intake can be done by calling 211 (press 1 for housing navigator) or by emailing Community Connection at [email protected].
New warming centre opens in Barrie
The county has advised warming centre operators that they should prepare to be activated from Dec. 20 to 23, inclusive, including the county’s new warming centre location at 445 Blake St. in Barrie. This location was recently purchased by the County of Simcoe to be the home of the Barrie Support Rapid Rehousing Program and other future social services programs. This centre will be supported by County of Simcoe social and community services and partners including the Community Alternative Response Engagement team, which is a provincially funded partnership between County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, Canadian Mental Health Association and Barrie police.
Warming centre services create more opportunities for individuals living unhoused to come indoors when they are most at risk. While at county-funded warming centres, individuals can access support to find shelter, housing, and other services and supports.
Those in need of shelter or warmth can always call 211 to connect with a nearby shelter or visit one of the locations listed below.
Warming opportunities available at the following locations:
Barrie
Salvation Army, Bayside Mission
16 Bayfield St., Barrie
Overnight warming will be available from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., up to seven days per week as required.
The Salvation Army warming centre will initiate overnight warming centre operations upon their discretion based on temperature, wind chill, weather events and at a minimum of -10 degrees Celsius or colder. The maximum capacity in the warming centre is eight male participants.
Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka
Simcoe Residential Hotel
31 Bayfield St., Barrie
Up to 10 rooms with shared facilities available for short-term stays through the Simcoe Residential Hotel. The Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka will provide on-site case management and housing support during the day. Rooms will augment other overnight warming programs and create increased access to indoor spaces for couples in addition to individuals when shelter beds are full or in circumstances where, due to unique needs, an individual may not be able to access an emergency shelter or other warming programs. The location is pet friendly. Will serve 10 to 12 individuals.
Please note this is not a drop-in centre.
Barrie east warming centre
445 Blake St., Barrie
Overnight and daytime warming will be available as activated.
The County of Simcoe will initiate warming centre operations upon their discretion based on temperature, wind chill, weather events and at a minimum of -10 C or colder. The maximum capacity in the warming centre is 20 participants.
Orillia
The Lighthouse Orillia
Orillia Community Church
64 Colborne St. E., Orillia
Overnight warming will be available from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., up to seven (7) days per week as required.
The Lighthouse overnight warming centre will initiate overnight warming centre operations upon their discretion based on temperature, wind chill, weather events and at minimum -10 C or colder.
The maximum capacity in the warming centre is 16 participants with sleeping mats. The maximum capacity may increase to 30 if all participants are seated at tables.
Bradford West Gwillimbury
WOW Living Bradford
Out of the Cold Cafe
177 Church St., Bradford
Overnight warming will be available from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m., up to seven days per week as required.
WOW Living (Out of the Cold Cafe) will initiate overnight warming centre operations upon their discretion based on temperature, wind chill, weather events and at a minimum of -10 C.
The maximum capacity in the warming centre is 10 participants for extended hours or overnight, and daytime (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is 50 participants.
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