MEDIA RELEASE
Point In Time Count – Survey Of People Experiencing Homelessness
October 14, 2025 Peterborough, ON — Today at their offices at 277 Stewart Street the United Way Peterborough & District released to the public the final report from the 2024 Point in Time count of people experiencing homelessness in the community. The last report was conducted in 2021.
The in-depth survey was conducted during the 24-hour period of November 18 and 19 2024. Utilizing a trained team of surveyors, many of whom had lived experience of being unhoused, along with shelter staff and outreach workers from various agencies, a total of 343 surveys were conducted.
Jim Russell CEO of United Way noted, “this biannual snapshot of who is unhoused in our community is critical in understanding the actions and policies that are needed to address homelessness in Peterborough.”
Joining the launch today was one of the surveyors, Kathrine Williams who stated, “It was quite an endeavor and really well organized and executed.”
Nancy Fischer, Board member and chair of the Community Impact Committee shared a summary of some of the findings from the 32-page report:
Key Findings
- 27% indigenous (5 times higher than the representation in general population)
- 78% aged between 25-54
- 8% aged 65+
- 18% graduated post secondary education
- 39% no high school diploma
- 80% experienced homelessness for 6 months or more in previous 12 months
- Top 3 reasons for housing loss – not enough income, conflict with spouse of partner, conflict with landlord
- 82% reported substance use
- 47% reported learning or cognitive limitations
An additional critical finding is that there is an increase in chronic homelessness as defined by 6 months or more in a 12-month period. In 2016 the rate was approximately 60% of respondents had report being unhoused 6 months or more, in 2024 that had risen to close to 80%.
“Homelessness is a complex nuanced issue for our community”, said Nancy Fischer “one which requires a focus an evidence-based program development.”
For a copy of the full report please visit the United Way Peterborough website: https://www.uwpeterborough.ca/reports/
Direct link (16MB): Point In Time Count 2024| A Survey Of People Experiencing Homelessness In The City Of Peterborough
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Media Contact
Jim Russell, CEO
Email: jrussell@uwpeterborough.ca
Office: 705-742-8839 x 26
https://www.uwpeterborough.ca
About Point In Time:
The Point-In-Time Count was funded by Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. As the Community Entity, defined as a local organizing committee responsible for setting direction in addressing homelessness in their community, United Way Peterborough & District administers the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy funding stream locally, aiming to provide housing and supports for those experiencing homelessness or living rough.
Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy 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. Reaching Home supports the goals of the National Housing Strategy, in particular, to support the most vulnerable Canadians in maintaining safe, stable and affordable housing and to reduce chronic homelessness nationally by 50% by fiscal year 2027 to 2028.
Learn more: https://www.uwpeterborough.ca/reaching-home/
