Homelessness is one of the most devastating obstacles that an individual can face. The idea of not having a safe place to sleep every night, a roof over your head or a shelter from the unbearable heat and frigid nights that our communities face is something that most of us don’t ever have to think about.
But for more than 129,000 Canadians, that is a daily reality.
United Way Peterborough & District (UWP) is pleased to announce that a Reaching Home (RH) Request for Proposals (RFP) is now open for application. As the Community Entity, UWP manages the Reaching Home program on behalf of the Government of Canada. Government of Canada provides funding to UWP that is invested locally to support individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at a risk of becoming homeless.
For your application to be considered complete and to proceed through the review process, please ensure that the following documents are included in the emailed submission:
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.
Reaching Home operates through a model known as Coordinated Access (CA). Coordinated Access supports communities in prioritizing individuals who are in most need of assistance and then matching them to appropriate housing and services. This system aims to ensure fairness while streamlining access to housing and services.
All housing and homelessness agencies must participate in Coordinated Access. The ways that each specific agency functions within Coordinated Access will differ depending on the nature of their project and will be described within the funding agreement. An overview of the roles and responsibilities within Coordinated Access have been included below.
Reaching Home-Funded Agencies are required to:
The Coordinated Access system is supported by UWP as the Community Entity and the City of Peterborough as the Systems Manager. Their responsibilities include:
United Way Peterborough & District – Community Entity
City of Peterborough – Systems Manager
Funding applications will be reviewed for their alignment to the community priority that had been identified based on consultations with the CAB, the community, and RH-funded agencies, specifically:
Creating, preserving, and enabling equitable access to housing stock
Projects that aim to create, preserve and enable equitable access to housing stock in the community are seen to result in lasting benefits to the individuals being served and a strengthened response to homelessness by the homeless-serving agencies.
This could include but is not limited to:
Year 1: Funds available for use between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027: $844,369
Year 2: Funds available for use between April 1, 2027, and March 31, 2028: $882,309
Eligible Organizations
Eligible and Ineligible Activities
Reaching Home-Funded agencies are required to participate in the following:
Proposals that are complete and submitted on or before the deadline will be evaluated by the Community Advisory Board (CAB). Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will only be reviewed once all other applications are processed.
Proposals will be scored using a standard rubric to assess the project’s alignment to the community priorities, outcomes and deliverables identified in this Request for Proposal.
Proposals received will be scored based on the following criteria:
Email your completed application form and additional documents to: reachinghome@uwpeterborough.ca
IMPORTANT:
UWP reserves the right to ask for additional information as the review process moves forward.
If you have other questions about the funding application or budget form, please refer to the REACHING HOME APPLICATION AND BUDGET GUIDE first. All additional questions regarding this RFP should be directed to: reachinghome@uwpeterborough.ca
Coaching appointments are available upon request and encouraged. Questions will be responded to as soon as possible and applicants are encouraged to ask questions early in the application period. It is not guaranteed that UWP will be available to answer your questions on the day that the applications are due.
Reaching Home Funding Opportunities: www.uwpeterborough.ca/funding
Community Homelessness Reports: www.uwpeterborough.ca/reports
Reaching Home – Peterborough Community Plan 2024-28: www.uwpeterborough.ca/reports
February is Black History Month.
We celebrate the incredible influence of Black community leaders who have shaped our heritage, communities, and contributed to our United Way Centraides ✨
Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future.
Returning to the stage on February 26th for PTBO Performs VI, meet @georgia.roseofficial ✨
🕐 7:25 PM | Thursday, February 26
📍 the @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre
🎶 a beautiful voice that you’re not going to want to miss!
PTBO Performs: Musicians United to End Homelessness is returning for the SIXTH year! A celebration of talented local musicians with a powerful purpose. Every ticket sold helps support frontline programs right here in our community that provide housing and shelter services🧡.
🎫 Tickets are available online now [link in bio], and at the @ptboshowplace box office.
Grab your tickets today and be part of music that makes a difference!
#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO
Only one thing on our minds right now… Peterborough Performs! 🎵🎤
Our favourite music event is back, featuring 14 incredible local artists. They’re coming together to raise awareness and funds in support of our partner agencies and their housing and shelter initiatives right here in our community. 💛
⏰ Feb 26, 2026 | 7 PM
📍 Showplace Performance Centre
🎟️ $50 for 1 | $80 for 2
➡️ Grab your tickets: uwpeterborough.ca/peterborough_performs/
🧡 We’re so grateful to the generous local businesses and organizations who are taking part in this year’s Peterborough Performs Virtual Auction presented by @llf_lawyers_llp
🎤 Support from our amazing local businesses community helps make this event, and the community impact behind it, possible. Thank you for giving back in such a meaningful way.
⬅️ Swipe to see some of your favourite local businesses and organizations taking part!
🗓️ Online bidding opens in 17 days, can you guess what’s up for grabs?!
It’s hard to believe 2016 was 10 years ago! 🕰️
So much has changed in the last decade and yet, so much has stayed the same. Ten years ago, we were celebrating a major milestone: 75 years of serving Peterborough & County. We were raising funds through fun community events, supporting ongoing initiatives like Backpacks for Success, hitting big team milestones, and making headlines alongside media partners who continue to uplift our work.
Now, as we celebrate 85 years, the most important thing remains the same, we’re still here building community and changing lives for people across the City of Peterborough. 💙
⏳ The countdown is ON!
Our emcee, @ellabates.joyatwork is getting ready for an unforgettable night of live music in support of our community.
🎫 PTBO Performs VI tickets available now [link in bio], online and at the @ptboshowplace box office!
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
@llf_lawyers_llp
@2ehome
Lancer Electric
@ptbocounty
@shirlsyourgirl
Stephan Ragaz
@kyleharringtondesjardins
@mcdougall_insurance
Rellinger Writing Services
The Glenn Family
@thebig.peterborough
V.K. Patel Distrbution Services Inc.
Herod Financial Services
@kawarthanowcommunity @kawarthanow
@longandmcquade
@wedesignptbo
The weight of the world can feel like it’s on your shoulders, and on days when it feels like too much, there are real people in our community who are here to help.
United Way Peterborough & District is dedicated to building community and changing lives. That’s why we believe it is so important to take good care of your mental health and encourage your friends and family to do the same. We are grateful to partner with 20 incredible agencies that provide vital services and support when our community needs it most. Partners like 211, CCRC, and CMHA are trusted resources you can rely on when times get tough.
Today, take a moment to check in with the people around you. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:
📞 211 Ontario — Dial 2-1-1 anytime or visit 🌐 211Ontario.ca
💬 Suicide Crisis Helpline — Call or text 9-8-8 (toll-free)
🤍 CMHA — Call the Peterborough office at 705-748-6711
🤝 CCRC Counselling — To learn more about counselling or to register, please call 705-743-2272 or 1-800-274-1611 ext 308
A special message form @twpiggott, CEO and Medical Officer of Health for @phlakelands on this cold January morning.
#BuildingCommunity #UnitedWayPTBO
Did you know❓
The third Monday in January is widely known as Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year.
The holiday season has passed us by, daylight is fleeting, nights are cold, and the weather is chilly. It’s no wonder some of us are feeling low, but it’s important to know you are not alone 🤍
United Way Peterborough & District is proud to partner with 211 to offer support when times get tough
📞💬 You can call or text 2-1-1 today to get free, confidential help, or 🌐 visit 211ontario.ca
Next up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤✨
Phil Stephenson of Lagan & Derelict!
🕦 9:05 PM | Thursday, February 26
📍 The @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre
🎉 Marking their SIXTH PTBO Performs appearance!
PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homeslessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music featuring 14 amazing local acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our partner agencies providing housing and shelter services.
🎫 Tickets are available online now [link in bio] and at the @ptboshowplace box office.
You’re not going to want to miss this!
#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO
❄️ Due to inclement weather, our office will be closing early today, (Thursday, January 15)❄️
Our team will remain available remotely and will continue to monitor phones and emails.
Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
Buckle up for Peterborough Performs returning February 26th! 🥳
Join us for a night of impact and community as we enjoy 14 local artists at Showplace Performance Centre. All proceeds raised are in support of our partner agencies and the work they do for housing and homelessness initiatives.
🎟️ Get your tickets at showplace.org
