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County transitioning out of temporary emergency motel accommodations

August 18, 2022   ·   0 Comments

The County of Simcoe is working to transition out of the temporary emergency motel model as pandemic specific funding from other levels of government is coming to an end.

More than 76 per cent of those who were sheltering in the temporary emergency motel shelter model have been connected with services and support systems and other housing and shelter options.

Of those who chose not to exercise any of these options, outreach teams continue to work to strengthen connections to the wide range of homelessness prevention services and support through the region.

The County said it is committed to working with community partners to identify additional supportive and transitional housing options in Simcoe County.

On August 9, 2022, Council approved the plan to temporarily expand emergency homelessness shelter capacity in the City of Barrie and area through the procurement of a temporary homeless shelter facility on County-owned land. A procurement process will identify a modular, temporary solution that could be opened as early as November 2022 – ahead of the winter months.

The County expects the temporary shelter to include up to 50 beds.

Costs related to the acquisition and site preparation, in addition to operating costs, will be accommodated through the approved $800,000 contribution from the County of Simcoe Social Services Reserve and the $400,000 contribution from the City of Barrie’s Reinvestment Reserve.

By Brian Lockhart


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