A newly formed coalition of private, public, and non-profit organizations has come together to address the complex issue of homelessness in Barrie. Dubbed "Barrie Cares," this initiative is redefining the approach to homelessness by pooling resources and expertise from diverse community sectors. The coalition’s founders describe it as more than an organization—it’s a grassroots-driven call to action for the entire community to join.
"It really started as a grassroots kind of thing, just three of us who looked out our windows and thought, ‘There must be a more dignified, more effective approach to helping our homeless community,’" said Rowley Ramey, a key founding member of Barrie Cares and board chair. "By bringing public, private, and non-profit organizations together, we’re able to leverage each sector's unique strengths, building on each other's resources and ideas to create a holistic support system."
Participating partners include Georgian College, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, the Barrie Police Department, the County of Simcoe, and the Simcoe County branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, among others. The coalition’s approach is multi-faceted: reducing the need for emergency health services, helping individuals transition from hospitals to stable community support, and providing resources to prevent reentry into homelessness.
"We’re open to anyone who shares our mission to support those who are unhoused or precariously housed," said Ramey. "With each of these groups—whether public, private, or non-profit—bringing their challenges and strengths to the table, we’re able to have honest and open conversations. One man’s challenge might be another’s strength, so by collaborating this way, we can achieve much more."
Tackling Issues Upstream and Downstream
The coalition meets regularly to discuss both immediate and long-term solutions. "It’s not just brainstorming; it’s action-driven,” explained Ramey. “We go upstream to identify systemic challenges—like how to support hospitals in managing patient care transitions—and we look downstream, finding community-driven ways to prevent those who’ve been discharged from returning to emergency services."
The group is also advocating for Barrie’s inclusion in Ontario’s Hart Hub, a homelessness and addiction recovery treatment hub. Ramey shared that Barrie Cares envisions this as part of a broader "campus of care," offering wraparound support for mental health and addiction recovery. “Our city deserves these resources, and we’re ready to advocate for them,” he said.
A "Live Aid" Approach for Community Collaboration
Ramey likens Barrie Cares to a "Live Aid" for homelessness, referring to the historic concert that brought together musicians of all genres for a common cause. "Each group has its own strengths and its unique style of service, but when we come together, we can do something amazing. By working collaboratively, we ensure we’re not duplicating services and that we’re complementing each other’s efforts for maximum impact."
Engaging the Community
In keeping with its mission to unite the entire community, Barrie Cares is calling on residents, business owners, and anyone interested in joining the movement. "Whether as a volunteer, a donor, or a service provider, we’re inviting everyone in Barrie to come together. This isn’t just about us—it’s about creating a shared solution that everyone can contribute to," Ramey urged.
As one of its first initiatives, Barrie Cares will participate in the homelessness enumeration, a survey that the County of Simcoe conducts every three years. The group is also working to secure endorsement for the Hart Hub and aims to add tailored questions to the survey to better understand the local needs.
"Our role is to connect the dots, bring in every available resource, and ensure a community-centered approach," said Ramey. "It’s a big puzzle, but together, we can piece together a more effective and compassionate response to homelessness."
