A Housing First Community for those experiencing chronic homelessness

​With support from the County of Simcoe, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Barrie, Redwood Park Communities and the David Busby Street Centre are partnering on the conversion of the under-used Barr’s Motel on Essa Rd in Barrie.

​This $2.5M project will offer furnished bachelor apartments for individuals currently experiencing chronic homelessness in our city, with the supports to keep them housed successfully.

​Read more about how Lucy's Place will help address the issue of chronic homelessness in Barrie on our blog.

Announcements:

Motel Conversion Project Name Announced​
December 21, 2018
As construction continues on the motel conversion project on the site known formerly as the Barr's Motel on Essa Rd., project partners Redwood Park Communities and the David Busby Centre are pleased to announce the new name for the supportive housing community opening in early 2019.

"Lucy's Place" will be a tribute to a woman who died on Barrie's streets in the fall of 2014 after experiencing homelessness in our city for well over a year. She was a well-known and liked figure on and around Dunlop St. and her death had a large impact on her community.

The name was developed in consultation with community peer advocates from the Busby Centre's programs.

Today is Homeless Person's Memorial Day, as marked in a touching Homelessness Memorial service today at Meridian Place. It is our hope that through supportive housing projects like Lucy's Place, we can ensure everyone in our city has a safe, affordable, adequate place to call home.

Call for Volunteers
February 4, 2019
Sign up to volunteer during the final stages of construction! Work Days scheduled for February 23 and March 9th, or join the crew during the week to lend a hand.

In 2017-2018, Barrie's Out of the Cold Program saw unprecedented numbers,
​with 70 individuals seeking shelter beds in our city nightly.