Simcoe County

Our Work in Orillia and Simcoe County

Our engagement in Simcoe County began with The Lighthouse in Orillia—a place aptly named, and a beacon of hope for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Lighthouse offers emergency shelter for men, women, and youth, as well as access to meals, a medical clinic, and supportive housing. These services not only provide immediate relief but also lay the groundwork for stability, dignity, and long-term transformation.

Through our involvement in the Building Hope Campaign, we deepened our relationships within the Orillia community. This initiative marked a pivotal entry point into a wider network of people and organizations committed to improving lives across the region.

“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river.

We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.”

—Desmond Tutu

This upstream mindset shapes much of our regional approach.

As we’ve continued to learn, we’ve met passionate leaders building purpose and belonging through arts, mentorship, and community care. From Big Brothers Big Sisters and Arts Orillia, to the creative programming of the Otter Art Club, these partnerships reflect a growing ecosystem of organizations working toward shared goals.

Our work in Collingwood with Home Horizon reinforces this regional lens. Home Horizon provides transitional housing and wraparound supports for youth experiencing homelessness in South Georgian Bay. Their small, community-based model emphasizes integrated services, social responsibility, and skill-building—offering a powerful example of what’s possible when local organizations are equipped to lead.

Supporting both Home Horizon and The Lighthouse underscores our belief that youth housing, wellness, and community connection are not isolated needs—they are shared regional challenges that require shared regional responses.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, we are committed to strengthening collaboration across Simcoe County. This includes exploring models for youth wellness hubs, enhancing integrated supports for mental health, expanding inclusive arts programming, and advancing regional housing and food security strategies.

We believe in investing where trust already exists, where creativity is flourishing, and where long-term potential is ready to be unlocked. Our role is to walk alongside community leaders—to listen, to learn, and to help bring transformative ideas to life.