There are many social services and supports available in Barrie to help those in need. If you want to make real life changes for someone in need, donate your money or time to local support agencies that provide food, shelter and other resources. These organizations are best equipped to take donations and can do more with the money you give.
Call 2-1-1 or search 211ontario.ca to find local services receiving donations.
Motion related to panhandling in the City of Barrie
It's ok to say "No" to panhandling and "Yes" to giving. On May 17, 2023, Barrie City Council passed a motion directing staff to investigate and take action on a series of initiatives aimed at addressing the chronic homeless situation in Barrie and creating a safer community for everyone. Among other directions, this motion included consideration of:
- methods to prohibit the payment to panhandlers on City Streets, intersections, and highway ramps, and
- placement of signs on City off-ramps to discourage panhandling or financial support thereof and encouraging donations to local social service agencies.
County of Simcoe Service Provider
In Barrie, the County of Simcoe leads the system of homelessness supports and services through partnerships and funded service agreements with community-based organizations. The County of Simcoe is responsible for planning, funding, and managing local homelessness prevention service delivery, poverty reduction initiatives, and shelter retention programs.
To learn about the County of Simcoe’s homelessness prevention plan including available services, shelter systems, and warming centres, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem or contact Simcoe County’s Community Services department at CommunityServicesDepartment@simcoe.ca or 705-722-3132, ext. 1470.