A photo of the Penetangore Hub in Kincardine (Image via Bruce County Human Services)
The Bruce County Human Services department is continuing their work to respond to homelessness in the community.
While working with community partners including the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Brightshores Health System, they’re working to give proactive and responsive supports to those who find themselves unhoused.
On July 18, 2025, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing had sent out a memo, outlining funding allocations for the Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative, the Ontario Housing Priority Initiative, and the Homelessness Prevention Program.
Housing Services Manager Tania Dickson shared an update in a report to council Thursday morning.
“The allocations will fund ongoing operational programming and capital investments across the housing portfolio.”
The county and its partners are using what’s being referred to as a “no-wrong-door” approach to connect people with the right resources quickly.
“The ‘no-wrong-door’ approach means that anyone seeking help can access support, no matter where they enter the system,” explained Dickson. “Instead of being turned away or told they’ve come to the wrong place, people are connected to the appropriate services from wherever they reach out.”
Dickson said that it doesn’t matter if an unhoused person reaches out through a community agency, a hospital, or through outreach workers.
This approach is a way to reduce barriers, prevents people from not getting the help they need, and ensures faster access to housing, health, and social supports.
“Homelessness is complex and requires collaboration across governments, service providers, and the community,” said Director of Human Services Tina Metcalfe in a media release from the county. “Our goal is to meet people where they are, address immediate needs, and create pathways to long-term housing stability.”
To continue the conversation, the Grey Bruce Homelessness Response Steering Committee is planning to host a virtual homelessness forum in November, which is aimed at bringing service partners, community partners, and residents together.
Bruce County is also sharing resources to anyone unhoused, or concerned about the well-being of someone who is:
•Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
•Call YMCA Rural Housing and Homelessness Outreach at 519-371-9222.
•Contact Bruce County Human Services at 1-800-265-3022 or e-mail HuSinfo@brucecounty.on.ca.
•Call 9-1-1 if someone is in serious distress or in the case of emergency.
For more details about housing and homelessness supports in Bruce County, click here.