NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD
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The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued the following enhanced cold notification: -15°C (or -20°C wind-chill) thresholds are expected to be met for Simcoe & Muskoka overnight on Friday, December 20, 2024, and are expected to continue through and overnight on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
Given this announcement and the upcoming holiday season, the town would like to remind its residents of local services that offer support during cold weather and/ or challenging times.
Finding help and navigating services can begin by calling or texting 2-1-1. Service navigators are available 24/7 to connect people to the help they need, including accessing shelter services.
Warming Centres
During operational hours the Collingwood Public Library, located at 55 Ste Marie St. has rest areas available to stay warm and find shelter from extreme weather conditions.
The County of Simcoe Social Services offices, located at 485 Second St., are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays) for anyone needing relief from the cold or inclement weather.
Home Horizon
Home Horizon works with youth, providing transitional housing and support programs. Outreach workers connect youth with emergency shelter and the support services that they need. Barbara Weider House in Collingwood provides a safe, transitional home for youth aged 16-24, delivering programs and services for individuals in crisis.
My Friend’s House
My Friend’s House provides an emergency shelter program for women and children experiencing abuse. In addition, they work to ensure women have access to information, resources, and the support they need. My Friend’s House also offers a 24-hour support line at 705-444-2511, wellness programs, public awareness campaigns, counselling, legal support, and outreach services.
Mental Health Response Unit
This collaboration between the Collingwood/ Blue Mountain OPP and Collingwood General and Marine Hospital pairs a constable with a crisis worker. The Mental Health Response Unit team attends mental health calls and supports outreach work that connects individuals and families to resources and services.
Housing Resource Centre – Empower Simcoe
Empower Simcoe provides services for people in the community at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness, by delivering resources to help people secure or maintain housing, apply for assistance programs, connect with community services, and mediate landlord/tenant disputes. Case managers support the Housing First program, which assists people experiencing chronic homelessness and transitions them to permanent housing with support.
County of Simcoe
As the overarching system manager, the County of Simcoe leads homelessness support programs and services across the region, funding community-based organizations through service agreements.
The demand for services is continuously growing and while organizations work tirelessly to maximize the budgets they are allocated, community support helps fill gaps and stretch services to meet a growing need. If you are able, please consider making a donation or volunteering your time and experience. More information on the county’s support for individuals experiencing homelessness can be found at simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem
With care and compassion, organizations will continue to work tirelessly to support those looking for assistance, delivering community outreach programs and working to ensure a bed is available and there is a place to seek warmth or access services.
For more information regarding these resources, please visit the health and community services page of the town's website.
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