Modular buildings that were previously used to provide temporary winter shelter at a Rose Street property owned by the County of Simcoe will be occupied this summer.
The county, in partnership with Redwood Park communities, will operate a temporary supportive housing program on the site beginning next month that is expected to house 24 individuals on a short-term basis who are currently experiencing homelessness.
"The program will provide housing with a number of wrap-around services and supports provided by Redwood Park Communities and community service providers, with the goal of transitioning clients to permanent, safe and sustainable housing," the county said in a news release.
The county says with up to 24 temporary supportive housing spaces at the Rose Street location, combined with the six transitional spaces that were added to Lucy's Place on Essa Road late last year, and the 14 supportive spaces that were constructed on Tiffin Street earlier this year, the county and area partners have created housing for approximately 44 individuals who were experiencing homelessness in the past year alone in the Barrie area.
"Further investments and programs in the county's summer social and community services program will be announced in the coming weeks," the county added.
This upcoming winter, the modular structure will continue to provide shelter for those who are unhoused until the construction of the Rose Street building begins in early spring 2024.
The 176-units of affordable housing will include mixed-use of apartments for families, seniors and individuals. The county is providing $186 million toward the project. The ground floor will also include Social and Community Services space for County services, including Ontario Works, Children Services, Community Services, and Social Housing. The building may also contain other social service partner agencies such as Licensed Child Care, and potentially an EarlyON Child and Family Centre.
More information: visit simcoe.ca/RoseStreet.
