Housing Initiatives

Housing Initiatives

More than half of Canadians are $200 or less away ​from not being able to pay their bills

Housing costs in Simcoe County continue to rise and minimum wage jobs and Ontario Works benefits simply are not keeping up.

Meanwhile, the wait time for Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing for a family can be years and the median rent for a 1-bdrm apartment in Barrie is over $1700. Barrie has moved into the top 3 most expensive housing rental markets in Canada.

Every day in our community, many individuals and families experience the fear, hopelessness and uncertainty that comes with losing their housing. A safe, supportive space to catch their breath, regroup, and plan next steps can be the difference between this life event being a speed bump for a family, or an off-ramp…perhaps for generations. ​

When everyone in our city has a safe, affordable, hopeful place to call home, our entire community is healthier and more resilient. Redwood’s housing initiatives help to make this a reality in Barrie.

With our mandate and experience in creating and managing community housing developments, Redwood is uniquely positioned to partner with agencies that support people in need of affordable housing. 

With five housing initiatives off the ground and many more in the works, serving diverse needs, Redwood is a leader in solving Simcoe County’s housing challenges.

Family Short Term Supportive Housing Centre

In partnership with The Salvation Army Barrie Citadel and Barrie Bayside Mission, Redwood Park Communities is creating a new 12-unit apartment building in Barrie. This project will offer short-term supported housing for families who are in crisis.

Lucy’s Place

Opened in 2019, this motel conversion offers furnished bachelor apartments for individuals and couples formerly experiencing chronic homelessness in our city, with the supports to keep them housed successfully.

Lucy’s Place

Opened in 2019, this motel conversion offers furnished bachelor apartments for individuals and couples formerly experiencing chronic homelessness in our city, with the supports to keep them housed successfully.

United House

Since 2013, United House offers supportive housing to women and children leaving the Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie, filling a gap in our housing system in an effort to reduce poverty and break the cycle of domestic violence.

Second Suites

Redwood Park Communities works with Community Builders and homeowners to turn unused space (often basements) into legal apartments. We then place individuals or families in need of affordable housing in them, with the supports they need to be successful tenants and to participate in the community.

Second Suites

Redwood Park Communities works with Community Builders and homeowners to turn unused space (often basements) into legal apartments. We then place individuals or families in need of affordable housing in them, with the supports they need to be successful tenants and to participate in the community.

Jubilee House

Jubilee House is has been providing housing and supports to women and children in Orillia for many years, and has now become Redwood’s first housing community in Orillia. 

Community Support Team

We believe that safe, affordable, hopeful housing is the first step in breaking the cycle of violence, abuse, poverty, and addiction. We also believe that people grow best in supportive community.