Homelessness in Peterborough has been a growing issue. The most recent Point-in-Time Count found that 47 people were sleeping rough the night of the survey, which is a 350% increase from the previous count. More disturbing is the increase in people experiencing chronic homelessness, defined as being unsheltered for 6 or more months within the last year, and that number was 125 representing a 45% increase since the last count.
United Way of Peterborough & District, in partnership with One City Peterborough, the Research for Social Change Lab at Trent University, and All Saints’ Anglican Church, is pleased to announce a debate between City of Peterborough mayoral candidates that is exclusively focused on homelessness in our community.
“The starting point for any response to homelessness is to adopt a Human Rights orientation to developing community responses” states Dr. Naomi Nichols of the Research for Social Change Lab.
“We are pleased to be collaborating with One City and United Way in hosting this event and look forward to the responses from the candidates.” Christian Harvey, Executive Director of One City Peterborough notes,
The debate, taking place at All Saints’ Anglican Church on Wednesday October 5th from 7:00PM-9:00PM will be open to both in-person and virtual audiences. There will be questions sent in advance to all of the candidates, as well as an opportunity for community members to ask questions both in-person and virtually.
Dr. Naomi Nichols, Director of the Research for Social Change Lab at Trent University and Jim Russell, CEO of United Way will act as co-facilitators for the evening.
“The issue of homelessness and the ravages it has on those experiencing it, cries out, indeed demands leadership, in particular political leadership. We are keen to hear how these candidates will lead our community in ensuring safe affordable, supportive housing for all.” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough.
City of Peterborough Mayoral Candidates Debate on Homelessness
On behalf of the hosting organizations, United Way Peterborough & District is pleased to formally invite you to our upcoming debate on homelessness. In collaboration with One City Peterborough and Trent University’s Research for Social Change Lab, we are hosting a debate for City mayoral candidates to discuss their plans to address the pressing issue of homelessness in our community.
Date: Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 Time: 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Location: All Saints’ Anglican Church – 235 Rubidge Street or online
Audience: In-person and livestreaming
Candidates: All certified candidates for Mayor of the City of Peterborough
Moderators: Naomi Nichols, PhD, Director of Research for Social Change Lab at Trent University Jim Russell, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Peterborough & District
Format:
• Opening remarks and Overview of Homelessness in Peterborough
• Structured question period – 5 questions total, asked 1 at a time and candidates each have an
equal amount of time to respond. Questions have been collaboratively written by the hosting
agencies with community member input.
• Community question period – community members attending both in-person and virtually will be
able to pose questions. The moderators will facilitate this question period.
• Closing remarks
For more information, please contact:
Betsy Farrar, Manager of Community Impact
United Way Peterborough & District
T: 705-742-8839 ext. 28 E: bfarrar@uwpeterborough.ca
