Community Safety Teams will soon be seen in four communities across Simcoe County, thanks to an innovative partnership between the County of Simcoe and One Community Solutions.
In 2023, the County of Simcoe introduced its 10-point homelessness prevention strategy, and as part of this, piloted Community Safety Teams, operated by One Community Solutions, from May to December 2023 in the City of Barrie. As a result of this successful pilot program, the County has extended operations in Barrie and expanded to Orillia, Midland, and soon Collingwood.
Working together with the downtown Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) and officials from the County and city/municipality, One Community Solutions provides access to supports, services, and safe clean-up. They build relationships with not only unhoused persons and the businesses in the downtown cores, but also with community service providers who are able to provide care for those who need it.
“Seeing the success of the pilot program in the Barrie area, we knew that this initiative could benefit individuals in communities across our region,” said Mina Fayez-Bahgat, General Manager of Social and Community Services for the County of Simcoe.
“We’re pleased to extend our partnership with One Community Solutions to expand this program into Orillia, Midland, and Collingwood. This is an innovative support model that will complement existing programs to help us build up an even stronger support network for those in need.”
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About Community Safety Teams and enhanced street outreach services
Enhanced street outreach services provide support to those experiencing homelessness, with increased emphasis during extreme winter temperatures. These teams offer a range of services to those who are vulnerable and who may not otherwise access shelters.
Outreach teams facilitate access to shelter or respite beds in addition to offering individualized supports to help with accessing a range of services such as income supports, mental health and addiction services, health care services and assisting individuals to develop plans to transition from to more permanent housing options.
Community Safety Teams build meaningful connections with people who are experiencing homelessness, intensify referrals to services, and work with the broader community to keep the community safe through safety walks, clean-ups, and more.
For more information on street outreach services provided through the County of Simcoe, visit simcoe.ca/StreetOutreach.
About One Community Solutions
One Community Solutions (OCS) establishes healthy relationships and lines of communication with individuals experiencing homelessness, community members, social service supports, businesses, and more. It is a community safety promotion agency that is supported by the County of Simcoe through provincial funding in the County’s legislated role as the System Service Manager for the region. The purpose is to complement and enhance services in communities that engage and support people experiencing homelessness or who at risk of homelessness.
One Community Solutions has a proven track record in communities across the Greater Toronto Area. They are focused on supporting the community’s most vulnerable members first, then assisting in diverting criminalization and potential victimization by offering alternative and safer options for accessing and connecting to services and housing resources. OCS ensures a person-centred approach in all their interactions. The organization facilitates paraphernalia clean up. All interactions and actions are documented and reported to help inform future decisions and directions.
