Kristal Jones-Craighead

Kristal Jones-Craighead is a multifaceted force of compassion, activism, and creativity based in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough. Graduating from the Social Service Worker program at Fleming College less than two years ago, Kristal has since become a pivotal figure in supporting individuals facing homelessness, substance use, mental health challenges, and criminalization.

Her journey began as a floor supervisor at One Roof Community Center, where she quickly recognized the need for bridging gaps in services for vulnerable communities. This insight led her to forge partnerships between organizations like One Roof and the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough, culminating in the creation of the Morning Drop-in Program. Despite setbacks like the closure of One Roof, Kristal's determination, supported by the United Way Innovation Fund, ensured the continuation of essential services at Trinity Community Center in collaboration with One City Peterborough and PATH Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes.

Kristal's commitment to advocacy knows no bounds. She tirelessly lobbies City Council for funding, applies for grants, and speaks out about her own experiences with homelessness, mental health, addiction, and criminalization. Her efforts extend to running the breakfast program at Trinity United Church and managing the clothing cupboard at PATH, where she and her team wash, sort, and distribute donations to those in need.

Beyond her humanitarian endeavors, Kristal is a beacon of creativity, showcasing her talents as a poet, photographer, and comedian. Her infectious spirit brings joy to all she encounters, earning her well-deserved recognition and celebration.

Kristal Jones-Craighead embodies the belief that housing is a human right, that harm reduction works, and that everyone belongs. With unwavering dedication and boundless compassion, she continues to uplift and empower her community, one hurdle at a time.

Social Posts

This Labour Day, we honour the courage of union members, advocates, and everyday workers who continue that fight today. ❤️
 
United Way Peterborough & District stands proudly alongside Labour.

Together, we build communities where everyone has what they need to thrive. 

 #LabourDay2026
🚚 Moving thousands of school supplies to fill more than 400 backpacks for local students is made easy thanks to the help of our wonderful friends @autoconnectsales 

✏️Thank you to Cheryl, Martin and the whole team for your support our of Backpacks for Success program. Your generosity makes a real difference in our community!
🎉 PTBO & COUNTY, SAVE THE DATE! 🎉

We’re kicking off something special. 85 years of United Way Peterborough & District and we want you to be there! 

Join us for our 2026 Campaign Launch, presented by Miskin Law [@miskinlaw] as we officially launch this year’s campaign and celebrate the incredible community that has carried the work of United Way forward for 85 years. ❤️

We’re especially excited to welcome 2026 Campaign Chair Tiffany Arcari [@_thetiffanyshow] whose leadership will help guide this year’s campaign, alongside Jason Seguya, our new CEO, as he joins our community for his first Campaign Launch in his new role. Let’s make it a special one😁📣!

📅 September 17, 2026
⏰ 12:00 - 1:30 [doors open at 11:30]
📍 Healthy Planet Arena

More details — including tickets — at the link🔗 in our bio!

85 years united. One community. A campaign to remember.
✨ Half the world is under 30. In Canada, that’s 35% of us.

Young people aren’t just the future, they’re changemakers right now. 💪

On #InternationalYouthDay, United Way Peterborouh & District celebrates their leadership, their courage, and their vision for a better world. 🌟💛
🎒🚗 What a day! We filled the Fords and our hearts @autoconnectsales

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to Fill the Fords on Saturday, donated supplies, volunteered, sponsored the event, grabbed a BBQ lunch courtesy of @kingstmarket, enjoyed some ice cream from @central_smith, and helped us celebrate the incredible generosity of our community.

We’re so grateful to Auto Connect Sales, our sponsors, community partners, volunteers, media friends, and every single person who helped make this day possible. Your support will help local students start the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

But we’re not done yet! 🎒

There’s still time to help. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, we’re collecting new backpacks and school supplies at the United Way Peterborough & District office and at participating community collection locations until THIS FRIDAY, August 14!

Every backpack, every box of crayons, every notebook and every donation helps us get closer to ensuring local students have the tools they need to succeed.

✨Comment “BACK TO SCHOOL” and we’ll send you the full list of participating businesses running supply drives.
Exciting News! 💫 The Reaching Home deadline has been extended!

Applicants now have until Wednesday, August 19 to submit your proposals.

Please keep in mind: 
👉 Applications will be reviewed based on alignment to the following community priorities:
• Creating, preserving, and enabling equitable access to housing
• Eviction prevention
• Outreach
👉 Funding covers the period October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028
👉 New application deadline August 19, 2026

ℹ️ What is Reaching Home? It's 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.

Apply today at uwpeterborough.ca
We 💙 GM Financial!

A huge thank you to our friends at GM Financial for dropping off our first Backpacks for Success donations of the season! We’re so grateful for partnerships like these in our community. 

💡 As part of their workplace drive, employees received a work from home day in exchange for making a donation. What a creative way to encourage workplace giving!

Our Backpacks for Success supply drives wrap up on August 14, but there is still time to help! Join us on August 8 at Auto Connect Sales for our Fill the Fords event. We’ll be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting school supplies, so stop by, say hello, and help us fill the Fords! 👋🎒
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