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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☁️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
✨ We’re back in the office and kicking off our first work day of 2026 with the best kind of news! Celebrating our December 50/50 winner and the incredible community that makes moments like this possible. 

❤️ Our monthly 50/50 draws are a growing way to support our 20 local partner agencies while giving Ontario residents the opportunity to win big.

🎟️ The January draw is live now - tickets are on sale through the link in our bio, and our next draw takes place on January 30 at 1:00 PM. 

*Must be 18+ to purchase tickets. Ontario residents only.
From all of us at the Peterborough & District United Way, we are wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year! We're excited to continue our work with our amazing donors, partners, and volunteers in the years to come.

📅 Reminder: The tax deadline for charitable contributions is December 31.

Show your #LocalLove and donate to United Way Peterborough & District to help build community & change lives. 

Consider donating today, visit the link in our bio to learn more about our work and ways to give.
2025, what a year! 

We’re so grateful for the generosity, care, and community spirit that made these moments possible.

As the year comes to a close, this is also a friendly reminder that gifts made by December 31 are eligible for 2025 charitable tax receipting. Thank you for supporting your neighbours, today and all year long.

Learn more about the ways to give at the link in our bio.

Reminder: there is a secure mailbox located at the front of our office (277 Stewart St.) checked daily.
🚨Reaching Home Funding Applications Are Now Open!🚨

United Way Peterborough & District is happy to share that we are accepting applications from agencies for the Reaching Home program, on behalf of the Government of Canada.

👉 What is Reaching Home? It is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. This program provides funding to communities to help them address their local homelessness needs.

Applications close January 22nd, 2026. Find eligibility requirements and full application details on our website:
🔗 uwpeterborough.ca/reaching-home/ or follow the link in our bio
To our neighbours,

As we head into the holiday season, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Your generosity, kindness, and commitment to community have meant so much to us throughout the year.

Whether you gave your time, made a donation, attended an event, or simply showed up for local causes, you helped make Peterborough & District a stronger, more caring place.

As of 12:00 pm today (Dec. 24), our office will be closed for the holidays and will reopen on January 5. During this time, we hope you’re able to slow down, rest, and enjoy meaningful moments with the people who matter most.

From all of us at United Way Peterborough & District, we wish you and your loved ones a warm, peaceful holiday season and a new year filled with hope, connection, and possibility.
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