Housing is Fundamental Report

United Way Releases its 2020 Housing is Fundamental Report

 

In recognition of World Homeless Day on October 10, the United Way of Peterborough & District released its annual Housing is Fundamental report from its Stewart Street offices this morning. Jim Russell CEO was joined by report author Paul Armstrong who highlighted key findings in this 15th anniversary edition. The 24-page report highlighted the following statistics:

  • Average market rent from 2005-2015 has increased 21.7%
  • Average household incomes for the same period have increased 1.7%
  • Average bachelor rent $785
  • Average 2 bedroom rent $1104
  • Vacancy rate 2.6%
  • 8490 households with an annual income of $30,000.00
  • To afford a two-bedroom apartment an annual salary of $44,160 is needed

Citing from the report Armstrong states, “rising shelter costs consume greater portions of household income and insidiously households forgo more life essentials to stay housed.”

This point was echoed by Joelle Favreau, Manager of Nourish Peterborough, and active member of the Basic Income Peterborough Network (BIPN) when reacting to the report emphasized, “a basic income is essential in ensuring health, safe housing and an ability to thrive.”

Referencing the COVID-19 pandemic Russell effused, “while this virus is unprecedented, it is critical that our response and recovery is equally unprecedented. More critical still, we need a recovery for all. We need conviction that housing is a human right. We need to embolden policy and investment in safe affordable housing for all citizens.”

For more information, please contact:

Jim Russell, CEO

United Way Peterborough & District

T: 705-742-8839

E: jrussell@uwpeterborough.ca

For the full report visit www.uwpeterborough.ca or this link: https://www.uwpeterborough.ca/how-we-help/housing-is-fundamental/

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⏳ The countdown is ON! 

Our emcee, @ellabates.joyatwork is getting ready for an unforgettable night of live music in support of our community. 

🎫 PTBO Performs VI tickets available now [link in bio], online and at the @ptboshowplace box office!

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A special message form @twpiggott, CEO and Medical Officer of Health for @phlakelands on this cold January morning. 

#BuildingCommunity #UnitedWayPTBO
Did you know❓
The third Monday in January is widely known as Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year.

The holiday season has passed us by, daylight is fleeting, nights are cold, and the weather is chilly. It’s no wonder some of us are feeling low, but it’s important to know you are not alone 🤍

United Way Peterborough & District is proud to partner with 211 to offer support when times get tough 
📞💬 You can call or text 2-1-1 today to get free, confidential help, or 🌐 visit 211ontario.ca
Next up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤✨

Phil Stephenson of Lagan & Derelict!

🕦 9:05 PM | Thursday, February 26
📍 The @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre 
🎉 Marking their SIXTH PTBO Performs appearance!

PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homeslessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music featuring 14 amazing local acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our partner agencies providing housing and shelter services. 

🎫 Tickets are available online now [link in bio] and at the @ptboshowplace box office. 

You’re not going to want to miss this!

#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO
❄️ Due to inclement weather, our office will be closing early today, (Thursday, January 15)❄️

Our team will remain available remotely and will continue to monitor phones and emails.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
Buckle up for Peterborough Performs returning February 26th! 🥳

Join us for a night of impact and community as we enjoy 14 local artists at Showplace Performance Centre. All proceeds raised are in support of our partner agencies and the work they do for housing and homelessness initiatives. 

🎟️ Get your tickets at showplace.org
☁️If you’re looking for a sign (and the chance to win big, give back and change lives) this is it! 
 
🎟️Our next 50/50 draw takes place on January 30th! Purchase tickets online through the link in our bio. 

*Ontario residents only. Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets.
Looking for a night that’s guaranteed to be unforgettable? 🎶
Peterborough Performs returns February 26th for an incredible evening of live local music!

For one night and one night only, fourteen talented local artists will take the stage under one roof, showcasing a vibrant mix of folk, pop, and everything in between. You’ll discover new favourites, sing along to familiar hits, and experience the best of Peterborough’s music scene.

Best of all, you can feel good knowing every ticket makes a difference. Proceeds raised from Peterborough Performs support our local partner agencies and their housing and homelessness initiatives. By coming together through music, we’re strengthening our community and helping create lasting solutions.

🎟️Get your tickets today at showplace.org or through the link in our bio

And don't forget to keep an eye out for our online auction - coming soon...👀
First up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤

@caitlinoconnormusic of @detentionclubmusic 

🕘 9:10 PM | Thursday February 26
📍 Main Stage, Showplace Performance Centre
🎉 Making their first-ever Peterborough Performs appearance!

PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homelessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music - with fourteen acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our work ensuring everyone has a place to call home. 

Tickets available online [link in bio] and at the @ptboshowplace box office. 

Don’t miss it. 🔥

#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO
Office pranks on Jim are back and better than ever for 2026🐭🤣!

High spirits, strong teamwork and lots of laughs and heart here at UWP.
After many years of dedicated service, we are preparing to celebrate Jim Russell’s upcoming retirement, and the incredible leadership he has provided to United Way Peterborough & District. Jim’s commitment to community, collaboration, and compassion has helped shape the organization we are today, and we are deeply grateful for the impact he leaves behind.

As we look ahead to our next chapter, we are now seeking a Chief Executive Officer to build on this strong foundation and lead UWP through continued growth and community impact guided by Reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

💻 Learn more by visiting www.uwpeterborough.ca/ceo-hiring/ [link in bio]

📧 To apply, send a resume and cover letter (PDF) to ceohiring@uwpeterborough.ca

🗓️ Deadline for applications: February 16th, 2026
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