The County of Simcoe has announced the opening of two additional warming centres for those experiencing homelessness.
On January 13, the Tiffin Street Warming Centre will be able to accommodate 10 individuals at a time when the temperature dips below -10 Cel.
"Co-located at the 113 Tiffin Street County of Simcoe Paramedic Services base, this temperature-activated warming centre will operate up to seven nights per week, 24 hours per day," the county said in a news release.
This shelter is the second dedicated warming centre to open in the City of Barrie this winter funded by the county. Other warming centres in the community include the Barrie East and the Salvation Army warming centres.
Earlier on Friday, the county announced the opening on January 13 of the Wasaga Beach warming centre in partnership with the town and Faith Missionary Church.
Like the new Barrie facility, the doors will open to those who are unhoused seven days per week and 24 hours per day when the overnight temperature is going to be below -10 Cel.
"While utilizing County-funded warming centres, individuals can also access support to find shelter, housing, healthcare, and other services and supports. These services are part of a larger effort to help more individuals gain access social and wellness-related assistance and help them move to other levels of housing supports if they choose," the county stated.
The County reminds residents that warming centres are open during the coldest months of the year for vulnerable populations. These warming centres are part of the regional system approach to homelessness prevention with support from community partners.
The warming services are funded by the County of Simcoe are above and beyond regular municipal service contributions. Those in need of shelter or warmth can always call 2-1-1 to connect with a nearby shelter or visit one of the warming centre locations listed on the County’s website.
About the County’s 10-point homelessness prevention strategy
The County of Simcoe’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy provides a strong, data-driven plan to help vulnerable residents and our communities. The strategy includes a considerable added investment toward the goal of preventing and ending chronic homelessness. For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem.
Some of the most recent highlights of the 10-point plan include:
- two active SRRP programs with two more planned to open in 2025
- since November 2024, the County has begun permanently transitioning 48 seniors (55+) out of emergency shelters and into assisted living programs and rapid rehousing programs
- 88 overnight warming spaces and an additional 30 daytime spaces created in 2024/2025 to support unhoused individuals during the coldest months of the year
- Alternative Space Activation, introduced last winter, rapidly creates approximately 110 spaces in our emergency shelter locations when the weather drops below -10°C
- centralized the Motel Voucher Program through Community Connections’ 211 services, allowing spaces to expand dynamically as needed
