A non-profit group is laying the groundwork for a new integrated support hub to help people facing homelessness.
Barrie Cares on Wednesday announced that it was launching the first phase of its planned Campus of Care project by beginning work on a temporary facility at the city’s former paramedic building on Tiffin Street.
The group is planning $250,000 in renovations to the site to install a kitchen and dining area, warming space and urgent-care rooms to connect people with immediate supports and health services.
It’s expected to open later this year.
The facility is the first part of a broader campus that also includes a supportive housing project next door funded by the County of Simcoe that will provide 40 temporary bridge-housing units.
Barrie Cares said the two sites will “form an integrated system, a bridge between crisis and long-term care,” as it continues planning for a permanent campus, expected to open in 2028.
“This is the first tangible step toward a truly coordinated system of care,” said Rowley Ramey, chair of Barrie Cares.
The campus project is envisioned as a centralized intake and assessment hub with wrap-around supports, including primary health care to mental-health and addiction services.
It’s funded by the county, City of Barrie, local health organizations and donations, with Barrie Cares leading capital fundraising for both the temporary and permanent sites.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall said the renovated Tiffin Street facility will “connect people with care, stability and hope.”
