As the coldest months of the year are upon us, Barrie Cares would like to highlight the County of Simcoe’s proactive measures to support those experiencing homelessness during the winter season. The County recently announced its enhanced Winter Warming Supports strategy for 2024-25, which includes a comprehensive range of services and initiatives to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals during the colder months.
Key Highlights of the Winter Warming Supports Strategy:
- Warming Centres: All six County Social & Community Services offices will be open to anyone needing warmth during the day. These locations offer a variety of services, including access to winter clothing, light snacks, and computers and phones. The Orillia office also houses a primary health care clinic.
- Overnight Warming Spaces: Overnight warming programs are available in Orillia, Bradford, and Barrie, with additional warming centres set to open in Barrie and Wasaga Beach. With the opening of the most recent warming centre at 445 Blake Street in Barrie, which offers both daytime and overnight services, current overnight capacity is approximately 58 spaces. Information related to the two additional warming centres is anticipated to be released before the end of 2024.
- Alternative Space Activation: This initiative activates additional spaces in emergency shelters when temperatures drop below -10 degrees Celsius, providing overnight drop-in options for those staying outside.
- Motel Voucher Program: This program provides access to motel rooms for individuals and families who cannot access the shelter system. Transportation to participating motels is also available.
- Outreach Services: Nine outreach services operate year-round, offering support to those who remain outside, including access to shelter, housing, and other essential services.
- Supportive Rapid Re-Housing Program (SRRP): This temporary program helps individuals transition into permanent housing within a short period, providing comprehensive support throughout the process.
Enhanced Winter Services (December 20, 2024 – January 6, 2025):
In anticipation of the upcoming holiday season and colder temperatures, the County has also announced enhanced winter services, including:
- Activation of the Alternate Spaces Strategy: This will increase available warming and shelter spaces.
- Expanded Motel Voucher Program: The program will be expanded to include anyone unable to access shelters or warming centers, with transportation provided.
Barrie Cares applauds the County of Simcoe for its proactive efforts to support our vulnerable community members during the winter months. We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with these resources and to reach out to those in need.
To learn more about the County’s Winter Warming Supports, please review their full Winter Warming Supports 2024-25 document on the County website.
For up-to-date information and alerts about the County of Simcoe’s activation and winter response strategy, please visit: https://simcoe.ca/alternate-spaces-activation-strategy-status/.
To read the County’s full press release, click here.