Addressing homelessness is not just about shelter but about dignity, belonging, and comprehensive housing support. say Lighthouse officials

As we enter a new year, it’s an opportunity to reflect on changes over the past year and set goals for the coming year.

This moment of reflection is especially important given how homelessness in Orillia has undergone significant shifts over the past 10 years. While many core challenges remain, lack of affordable housing, income and food insecurity, health issues, addictions, and how the community responds have evolved. The Orillia community has navigated these changes together, committed to finding solutions.

Ten years ago, homelessness in Orillia was largely unseen on the streets. Many people experiencing homelessness stayed out of public view, often relying on informal networks and temporary arrangements. Today, homelessness is a constant, visible reality in our community, highlighting the urgency of affordable housing, wrap-around support, and co-ordinated community response.

According to the 2024 Homelessness Enumeration for Simcoe County and the Orillia area:


1,080 people were experiencing homelessness county-wide, with about 21 per cent (227 people) in Orillia.
Of these individuals, 64.9 per cent were chronically homeless, 24.9 per cent identified as Indigenous, and nearly 68 per cent reported a mental health issue.
Rising housing costs and tight rental markets make escaping homelessness increasingly difficult.

In comparison, 292 survey participants in Simcoe County completed the 2016 Registry Week.

The Lighthouse continues to provide essential services in our community, including emergency shelter, supportive housing, meals, outreach, and mental health and addiction services. Youth-focused programs connect 16- to 24-year-olds at risk with support, while supportive housing offers stability for people who have faced chronic homelessness. Addressing homelessness is not just about shelter but about dignity, belonging, and comprehensive housing support.

Although the scale, profile and complexity of homelessness have shifted in recent years, The Lighthouse’s core vision remains: “A thriving community where everyone has hope, a home and a future.” Whether through immediate shelter or wrap-around support, Lighthouse staff and volunteers continue to ensure every participant is treated with respect and care.

The future calls for a broader, more proactive collaborative approach:


Supportive affordable housing remains crucial.
Youth homelessness requires targeted early interventions.
Mental health and addiction support must be integrated with housing services.
Community partnerships — involving volunteers, businesses, schools, and faith groups — strengthen the response.
Data-driven planning guides local policies and ensures resources are directed where they’re most needed.
Inclusive support for Indigenous residents, newcomers, and marginalized groups remains a priority.

While the face of homelessness in Orillia has grown more complex and multifaceted, The Lighthouse and our community continue to evolve, collaborate and innovate. At the heart of it remains the same goal of offering hope, a home, and a chance for a better future to people experiencing homelessness.

Dale Rowe is the executive director at The Lighthouse and can be reached at [email protected].

Rosemary Petersen is the managing director at The Lighthouse and can be reached at [email protected].