Friday
September 23
2022

Mayoral Debate on Homelessness Announced for October 5, 2022

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

Social Posts

❤️Won’t you be our neighbour?

Stay tuned, @_thetiffanyshow will be sharing the full story (and her inspiring Campaign Chair speech) soon. You won’t want to miss this!

#CertifiedNeighbour #UnitedWayPTBO

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❤️Won’t you be our neighbour? Stay tuned, @_thetiffanyshow will be sharing the full story (and her inspiring Campaign Chair speech) soon. You won’t want to miss this! #CertifiedNeighbour #UnitedWayPTBO

Don`t miss out 👉 United Way Peterborough is now accepting applications for the Reaching Home program!

ℹ️ What is Reaching Home?
Reaching Home is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada by providing funding to communities to address local housing and homelessness needs.

Important details:
⭐ Applications will be reviewed based on alignment to community priorities, including:
• Creating, preserving, and enabling equitable access to housing
• Eviction prevention
• Outreach

⭐ The funding period is October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028

📅 Applications close August 4, 2026.

Apply today at uwpeterborough.ca

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Don't miss out 👉 United Way Peterborough is now accepting applications for the Reaching Home program! ℹ️ What is Reaching Home? Reaching Home is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada by providing funding to communities to address local housing and homelessness needs. Important details: ⭐ Applications will be reviewed based on alignment to community priorities, including: • Creating, preserving, and enabling equitable access to housing • Eviction prevention • Outreach ⭐ The funding period is October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028 📅 Applications close August 4, 2026. Apply today at uwpeterborough.ca

Meaningful conversations are the first step toward meaningful change. This morning, our CEO, Jason Seguya, had the opportunity to meet with MP Harrison (@emmaaharrisonmp) to discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities.

Part of the conversation focused on the recently published Financial Anxiety Index, a national research project undertaken by United Way Centraide Canada and conducted by Léger. The findings are clear: nearly half of Canadians say they could cover their basic expenses for only one month or less if their income were interrupted, and many report that their financial situation has worsened in recent months. The research also highlights that single parents, newcomers, and young people are among those experiencing the greatest financial strain.

Jason also had the opportunity to elaborate on United Way Peterborough & District’s role as the Community Entity for the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program. For more than a decade, we have worked with local partners to administer federal homelessness funding, convene organizations across the sector, and support innovative, collaborative responses that help prevent and reduce homelessness in our community. Since 2020, more than $8 million in Reaching Home funding has been distributed locally to strengthen supports and services for those experiencing homelessness.

We appreciate the opportunity to share these insights and discuss the importance of coordinated community responses to poverty, housing insecurity, and homelessness. We look forward to continuing the conversation with MP Harrison in the months ahead as we work together to build a stronger, more connected community.

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Meaningful conversations are the first step toward meaningful change. This morning, our CEO, Jason Seguya, had the opportunity to meet with MP Harrison (@emmaaharrisonmp) to discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities. Part of the conversation focused on the recently published Financial Anxiety Index, a national research project undertaken by United Way Centraide Canada and conducted by Léger. The findings are clear: nearly half of Canadians say they could cover their basic expenses for only one month or less if their income were interrupted, and many report that their financial situation has worsened in recent months. The research also highlights that single parents, newcomers, and young people are among those experiencing the greatest financial strain. Jason also had the opportunity to elaborate on United Way Peterborough & District’s role as the Community Entity for the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program. For more than a decade, we have worked with local partners to administer federal homelessness funding, convene organizations across the sector, and support innovative, collaborative responses that help prevent and reduce homelessness in our community. Since 2020, more than $8 million in Reaching Home funding has been distributed locally to strengthen supports and services for those experiencing homelessness. We appreciate the opportunity to share these insights and discuss the importance of coordinated community responses to poverty, housing insecurity, and homelessness. We look forward to continuing the conversation with MP Harrison in the months ahead as we work together to build a stronger, more connected community.

Breaking News: Jimothy has officially RSVP`d to our Fill the Fords event on August 8! 🎉

Want to join #Jimothy? Stop by Auto Connect between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to donate new school supplies in support of our Backpacks for Success initiative. Together, we`ll help fill the Fords and backpacks so that students of all ages can start the school year with the tools they need to succeed . 🎒📚💙

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Breaking News: Jimothy has officially RSVP'd to our Fill the Fords event on August 8! 🎉 Want to join #Jimothy? Stop by Auto Connect between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to donate new school supplies in support of our Backpacks for Success initiative. Together, we'll help fill the Fords and backpacks so that students of all ages can start the school year with the tools they need to succeed . 🎒📚💙

United Way Peterborough & District invites community members to our 84th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, August 6, at the McDonnel St. Community Centre.

The evening will begin with a Community Conversation and Welcome Gathering from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., where you’ll have the opportunity to meet our CEO, Jason Seguya, hear about his vision for the future, and join the conversation about strengthening our community together. A reception with light appetizers will follow.

At 5:30 p.m., we’ll officially convene our Annual General Meeting to reflect on the past year, celebrate the impact we’ve made together, and conduct the business of the organization.

Space is limited! Please RSVP using the link in our bio.

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United Way Peterborough & District invites community members to our 84th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, August 6, at the McDonnel St. Community Centre. The evening will begin with a Community Conversation and Welcome Gathering from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., where you’ll have the opportunity to meet our CEO, Jason Seguya, hear about his vision for the future, and join the conversation about strengthening our community together. A reception with light appetizers will follow. At 5:30 p.m., we’ll officially convene our Annual General Meeting to reflect on the past year, celebrate the impact we’ve made together, and conduct the business of the organization. Space is limited! Please RSVP using the link in our bio.

🎒🚗 Introducing Fill the Fords! 🚗🎒

We’re teaming up with @autoconnectsales for a brand-new community event in support of our Backpacks for Success program, and you’re invited!

Join us on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to help us fill the Fords with new backpacks, school supplies, and financial donations for local students preparing to head back to school.

❤️Last year, nearly 500 local students received fully stocked backpacks through Backpacks for Success. With your help, we can make an even bigger impact this year.

Make a day of it!
🍔 Community BBQ featuring offerings from @kingstmarket
🍦 FREE @central_smith ice cream for the first 100 eligible donations (you heard that right)
🐻 Meet some special mascot guests

Whether you donate a backpack, a pack of pencils, lined paper or make a financial contribution, every gift helps a local student start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

📍 Auto Connect Sales 1175 Lansdowne St. West
📅 Saturday, August 8
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Save this post, tag a friend, and help us #FillTheFords for local students! 🛻✨🎒

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🎒🚗 Introducing Fill the Fords! 🚗🎒 We’re teaming up with @autoconnectsales for a brand-new community event in support of our Backpacks for Success program, and you’re invited! Join us on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to help us fill the Fords with new backpacks, school supplies, and financial donations for local students preparing to head back to school. ❤️Last year, nearly 500 local students received fully stocked backpacks through Backpacks for Success. With your help, we can make an even bigger impact this year. Make a day of it! 🍔 Community BBQ featuring offerings from @kingstmarket 🍦 FREE @central_smith ice cream for the first 100 eligible donations (you heard that right) 🐻 Meet some special mascot guests Whether you donate a backpack, a pack of pencils, lined paper or make a financial contribution, every gift helps a local student start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. 📍 Auto Connect Sales 1175 Lansdowne St. West 📅 Saturday, August 8 ⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Save this post, tag a friend, and help us #FillTheFords for local students! 🛻✨🎒

👏 A huge thank you to @islinsurance for stepping up to support Backpacks for Success this year!

Their workplace donation drive is officially underway, and it`s a great reminder that making a difference is easy, and can start right at work.

Want to get your workplace, business, or organization involved? Hosting a Backpacks for Success supply drive is easy, fun, and has a direct impact on local students as they head back to school with the supplies they need to succeed.

💬 Comment "BACKPACK" below, and we`ll send you everything you need to get started, including our workplace toolkit, wish list, and all the details.

Together, we can help ensure every student starts the school year ready to learn. 📚✨

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👏 A huge thank you to @islinsurance for stepping up to support Backpacks for Success this year! Their workplace donation drive is officially underway, and it's a great reminder that making a difference is easy, and can start right at work. Want to get your workplace, business, or organization involved? Hosting a Backpacks for Success supply drive is easy, fun, and has a direct impact on local students as they head back to school with the supplies they need to succeed. 💬 Comment "BACKPACK" below, and we'll send you everything you need to get started, including our workplace toolkit, wish list, and all the details. Together, we can help ensure every student starts the school year ready to learn. 📚✨

Every great leader has a story... and today, we`re excited to share the beginning of @_thetiffanyshow story as your 2026 United Way Campaign Chair.

As we launch our 85th Community Campaign, we`re turning the page to a new chapter - one rooted in connection, collaboration, and the incredible power of community. Tiffany has spent years shining a spotlight on the people, organizations and stories that make Peterborough & District such a special place to call home. Now, she`ll help lead a Campaign that celebrates what we can accomplish when we come together.

This grand reveal wouldn`t have been possible without the creativity and generosity of Johanna Hawkshaw and the incredible team @yourtvptbo who helped bring our vision to life. Thank you for embracing the fun and helping us tell this story in such a memorable way.

If UW Campaign Chairs came with a Netflix special, we`re pretty sure this would make the final cut 🎬🍿 ...

A special thank you as well to our 2025 Campaign Chair, Paul Rellinger, and our amazing staff for being great sports and helping kick off this exciting new chapter.

Here`s to 85 years of neighbours helping neighbours, and to everything we`ll accomplish together this campaign.

Welcome to the team, Tiffany! We can`t wait to see what we are able to accomplish together.

#UnitedWayPeterborough #CommunityCampaign #85YearsUnited

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Every great leader has a story... and today, we're excited to share the beginning of @_thetiffanyshow story as your 2026 United Way Campaign Chair. As we launch our 85th Community Campaign, we're turning the page to a new chapter - one rooted in connection, collaboration, and the incredible power of community. Tiffany has spent years shining a spotlight on the people, organizations and stories that make Peterborough & District such a special place to call home. Now, she'll help lead a Campaign that celebrates what we can accomplish when we come together. This grand reveal wouldn't have been possible without the creativity and generosity of Johanna Hawkshaw and the incredible team @yourtvptbo who helped bring our vision to life. Thank you for embracing the fun and helping us tell this story in such a memorable way. If UW Campaign Chairs came with a Netflix special, we're pretty sure this would make the final cut 🎬🍿 ... A special thank you as well to our 2025 Campaign Chair, Paul Rellinger, and our amazing staff for being great sports and helping kick off this exciting new chapter. Here's to 85 years of neighbours helping neighbours, and to everything we'll accomplish together this campaign. Welcome to the team, Tiffany! We can't wait to see what we are able to accomplish together. #UnitedWayPeterborough #CommunityCampaign #85YearsUnited

Now Accepting Applications!📣

United Way Peterborough & District is pleased to announce that we are once again accepting proposals for funding through Reaching Home.

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.

📝To apply, please visit our website at uwpeterborough.ca
‼️All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

If you’re interested in applying but aren’t sure if you’re eligible, or if you have questions that aren’t answered in the online checklist, please reach out to us at ℹ️ reachinghome@uwpeterborough.ca.

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Now Accepting Applications!📣 United Way Peterborough & District is pleased to announce that we are once again accepting proposals for funding through Reaching Home. 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. 📝To apply, please visit our website at uwpeterborough.ca ‼️All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, August 4, 2026. If you’re interested in applying but aren’t sure if you’re eligible, or if you have questions that aren’t answered in the online checklist, please reach out to us at ℹ️ reachinghome@uwpeterborough.ca.

Well prepared and ready to learn! 📚✏️
That’s what Backpacks for Success is all about! Your support helps ensure that students across Peterborough & County have the materials they need to take on the 2026 school year with confidence.

Whether you host a collection drive, become an event sponsor, or make a monetary donation, every contribution makes a difference to school aged students from grades K–12.

📲 Contact us today to get involved!

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Well prepared and ready to learn! 📚✏️ That’s what Backpacks for Success is all about! Your support helps ensure that students across Peterborough & County have the materials they need to take on the 2026 school year with confidence. Whether you host a collection drive, become an event sponsor, or make a monetary donation, every contribution makes a difference to school aged students from grades K–12. 📲 Contact us today to get involved!

Clue number TWO✌️!

Every great leader has a story. Can you find the words that help tell the story of our 2026 Campaign Chair?

Drop your guesses below👇…

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Clue number TWO✌️! Every great leader has a story. Can you find the words that help tell the story of our 2026 Campaign Chair? Drop your guesses below👇…

👀 The first clue has arrived!

Every great leader brings something special to the table, and these six emojis represent just a few things that make our 2026 Campaign Chair who they are ✨

Can you guess who it might be🤔?

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👀 The first clue has arrived! Every great leader brings something special to the table, and these six emojis represent just a few things that make our 2026 Campaign Chair who they are ✨ Can you guess who it might be🤔?
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