During the ongoing housing crisis in the City of Barrie, nonprofits like Barrie Housing continue to provide critical support and a sense of stability for residents in need of affordable options. Barrie Housing not only offers geared-to-income housing but also works to create a stronger sense of belonging and community for the people who live there.

Recently, after a series of renovations, Barrie Housing proudly reopened the common room area at its Mill Creek location. The updated space was welcomed with celebration, as community partners such as Youth Call and Kidz Club gathered to mark the occasion. For many residents and service providers, the reopening symbolized much more than a refreshed room — it represented renewed opportunities for connection, collaboration, and support.

Kidz Club Founder, Maddie Neuman, expressed her excitement about the space being made available again. Her organization has long relied on the common room for after-school programming and activities that bring children together in a safe and welcoming environment. “Isolation happens really easily, especially around the holiday time, so having these spaces for people who can gather really makes all the difference,” Neuman shared.

Neuman’s passion for this work is rooted in her own experiences. “Growing up in housing, I wanted to create a program where people could feel part of a community,” she explained. Since founding Kidz Club in 2010, she has grown the initiative to reach children in nine different Barrie Housing complexes, offering them opportunities to learn, play, and build friendships. Her commitment demonstrates how grassroots programs can transform everyday spaces into hubs of encouragement and belonging.

For Neuman and other nonprofit leaders at the reopening, the renovated common room represents new possibilities. With more welcoming and functional facilities, they can continue to expand their programming, strengthen connections between neighbours, and help combat the isolation many families face. Together, these organizations hope the revitalized space will act as a cornerstone for community life, supporting residents of all ages and reinforcing the message that affordable housing can be more than shelter — it can be a place to truly belong.