Homelessness down 5% according to County but still rampant

As the summer approaches, the County of Simcoe and local community groups are doing what they can to continue tackling homelessness in the short term and long term.

The County confirmed to CTV News on Wednesday that homelessness in Barrie is down five per cent, marking the first annual reduction in three years.

“That is a good indicator that we’re progressing in the right direction,” said Mina Fayez-Bahgat, the county’s General Manager of Social and Community Services. “It’s also to make sure that you’re wrapping around the right supports and offering the right housing or shelter outcomes for the people to be able to come inside.”

He credited the effectiveness of the HART hub, bridge and modular housing programs, and new affordable developments, such as the one on Rose Street, which is on schedule for its first phase to be completed by the spring of 2027.

• Affordable housing units taking shape in north Barrie

On Wednesday, the County, City of Barrie, and Barrie Cares celebrated their latest addition of shelter space for those who need it most.

They announced the opening of a new kitchen, dining, and gathering space at the old paramedic station on Tiffin Street.

“They’ll be able to come in here and use the facilities for not just having dinner, but counselling and a bunch of other things that are going to be important for them and their way back into some type of permanent housing,” said Paul Larche, Barrie Cares Executive Board Member.

The upgrades represent a first phase of Barrie Cares Campus of Care program, which was made possible thanks to $250,000 in donations.

Located right next to the county’s new 40-unit bridge housing program, the facility served hundreds over the last year.

It acted as a triage centre during the removal of the Anne Street North encampment last summer and a warming centre over the winter.

“We raised the money in just virtually a few months, and it’s very satisfying to see this place open now,” added Larche.

However, according to the City’s latest data, there are four known encampments across Barrie, serving as a reminder that homelessness and affordability struggles are not going away anytime soon.

“People simply cannot make ends meet,” said Brian Shelley, United Way Simcoe Muskoka Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer. “Our call volume is unprecedented this year. We can literally not keep up with the number of folks who are calling, many of whom who have jobs.”

The Salvation Army Barrie Citadel’s executive director confirmed to CTV News by phone that even more affordable housing, subsidies, and support for people on fixed incomes are three of the greatest service needs.

The county says it is working on outreach for those who are more difficult to engage.

“Others need more time and more effort or support,” explained Fayez-Bahgat. “So we want to create customized teams that are equipped to engage those.”

Barrie Cares is also envisioning a more permanent 20,000-30,000 square-foot campus of care facility that can service even more people experiencing homelessness.

The timeframe and location are not yet known, but the community group says it is several years away.