Who We Are
Barrie Cares is a community-led collective dedicated to addressing homelessness in Barrie. We are a catalyst for change, uniting diverse stakeholders—local businesses, individuals, service providers, and the public and non-profit sectors—to implement effective, lasting solutions that empower our unhoused neighbours and strengthen our community.
Together, we’re building a brighter Barrie where everyone has a safe and stable home.
Our Vision
Our vision is a future where homelessness is not an inevitability but a solvable challenge that we overcome together. We envision a Barrie where no one is left behind, where every member of our community has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our Mission
Through collaboration, we aim to empower our community to create a coordinated response to homelessness, addressing its root causes and ensuring everyone in Barrie has a pathway to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
Our Values
Compassion
Above all else, we approach individuals experiencing homelessness with empathy, dignity, and respect. We are committed to destigmatizing their experiences and providing human-first solutions that prioritize their well-being.
Accountability
We believe that chronic homelessness is an issue deeply rooted within the fabric of our community. It demands a community-wide response that addresses the underlying social, economic, and systemic factors that contribute to it.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of collective action. By uniting diverse voices and pooling our resources, we create a stronger, more impactful response to homelessness in Barrie.
Knowledge
We are committed to raising public awareness to build an informed community that understands and uplifts those experiencing homelessness.
Inclusivity
We foster a culture of openness and respect, creating a space where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to the collective effort.
Advocacy
We champion policies and programs that prioritize prevention, affordable housing, mental health support, addiction treatment, and community safety for all.
Our Members
Directors
- Jamie Massie
- Rowley Ramey
- Paul Larche
Members
- John Alousis
- Barb White
- Wayne Hay
- Jessie Larche
- Dave McCullough
- Dino Melchior
- Gordon Menzies
- Lynn Strachan
- Maria Weber Cernak
Our Partners
“Each day we provide compassionate care to our community, and we are mindful of the complex set of barriers and struggles some of our most vulnerable community members face. Homelessness is a key social determinant of health and a barrier to equitable access to care for some of our community members. Our ability to affect change and improve health outcomes is through strong collaboration and shared responsibility among our dedicated and focused community partners. We all have a role in ensuring that every person has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Barrie Cares is an essential partner in the effort to raise awareness, foster understanding, and inspire action, and we are honored to support its commitment to build a more inclusive and caring community for all.”
Gail Hunt
President and CEO, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
“I am honored to have been invited to represent the Barrie Police Service and collaborate with this group of dedicated leaders. The combined efforts of Barrie Cares will undoubtedly foster positive change within our community. Together, we will discover innovative and inspiring ways to connect our most vulnerable citizens with the essential services they need. Every individual here is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of all community members, with the hope that through the synergies created at this table, no one will ever feel alone.”
Val Gates
Inspector Investigative Services, Barrie Police Services
“The County of Simcoe is committed to its continued engagement with Barrie Cares. This unique community-based group is exceedingly interested in preventing and reducing homelessness within the City of Barrie. Effective public-private-non-profit partnerships between government and community partners foster opportunities to find new solutions to address homelessness in Barrie. Homelessness is a challenge that affects many in our community and requires a community-based solution that includes Barrie Cares.”
Andrew Scavarelli
Director, Ontario Works
“Barrie Cares is a group of compassionate and committed individuals who are inspired to foster innovative solutions to complex challenges using the power of community to help those in greatest need. Georgian is pleased to be a strategic partner in these important discussions and to stand alongside leaders in our community dedicated to making a positive impact. As Central Ontario’s multi-campus college, we strive for an environment of inclusivity where everyone is seen, heard, valued, knows they belong and matter– where nobody is left behind. I’m energized by the vision and collective leadership of Barrie Cares and look forward to being part of creating community solutions that consider all voices in enhancing the well-being of all in our region.”
Kevin Weaver
President and CEO, Georgian College
