Reaching Home: Apply for Funding

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.

Application Checklist

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:

  • Utilize and record data in a centralized database – Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) – that collects and displays real-time data on clients and available housing supports. This includes actively adding individuals to the Unique Identifier List (UIL) using HIFIS
  • Conduct assessments using a standardized tool
  • Utilize standardized protocols to match individuals with available housing and/or program vacancies based on project-specific eligibility, needs, and preferences
  • Identify housing and/or program vacancies and providing this information to the Systems Manager
  • Fill any housing and/or program vacancies through the Coordinated Access system  
  • Collaborate on training, reviewing processes, and identifying opportunities for improvement

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

  • Oversight of the Coordinated Access system to ensure its compliance with the minimum standards established by the Government of Canada
  • Reporting progress and compliance to the Government of Canada, including the publicly available Community Homelessness Report
  • Establishing and monitoring standards for participating in Coordinated Access that are specific to each funded project
  • Establish and lead governance efforts including the Community Advisory Board (CAB) that functions as the local organizing committee responsible for setting direction and priorities for addressing homelessness
  • Support the City of Peterborough as the Systems Manager

City of Peterborough – Systems Manager

  • Support United Way Peterborough & District as the Community Entity for Reaching Home
  • Operate as the Coordinated Access Lead and HIFIS Lead as identified to the federal government through Reaching Home documentation
  • Develop and maintain the Coordinated Access Guide including a systems map
  • Oversight and administration of the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) database. This includes developing and administering legal, privacy, and consent processes, identifying training needs, onboarding and supporting agencies using the database, ensuring data quality and problem-solving issues
  • Maintaining a database of housing units and supports within the system and leading the prioritization and matching of individuals when vacancies become available
  • Working with RH-funded agencies to fill vacancies through the Coordinated Access system, including internal transfers
  • Supporting agencies providing emergency shelter and housing programs in systems navigation and collaborative case planning

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
  • Eviction Prevention
  • Outreach

Applications can include, but is not limited to:

  • Continuing a program/service with proven success that is no longer being funded by another source
  • Expanding a program/service based on demonstrated need that falls outside of the parameters of other funding sources
  • Developing a new program/service that fills a gap in current program/service offerings
  • Investing in capital acquisitions/repairs that would increase or preserve housing stock
Funds available for use between Oct 1 2026 – Mar 31 2027Creating, Preserving, and Enabling Equitable Access to Housing Stock$ 110,000
Eviction Prevention and/or Outreach$ 74,004
Funds available for use between Apr 1 2027 – Mar 31 2028Creating, Preserving, and Enabling Equitable Access to Housing Stock$ 300,000
Eviction Prevention and/or Outreach$ 130,390
  • Funding covers the period October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028
  • There is no restriction or maximum limit on the amount of funding an applicant may request.
  • The quantity and quality of proposals received will determine the number of projects funded and the amount of funding each project receives.

Eligible Organizations

  • Not-for-profit and For-profit organizations
  • Funding is open to all eligible organizations regardless of whether they currently receive or have previously received Reaching Home or United Way funding
  • Organizations currently working within the Coordinated Access System and using HIFIS; or can undertake the training and onboarding into the Coordinated Access System and HIFIS database upon project approval.

Eligible and Ineligible Activities

  • Eligible and Ineligible activities are described in detail in the attached document. Please make sure to read this document very carefully as they may have changed since the last round of funding.
  • Eligible activities and expenses are grouped into the following five (5) priority areas:
    • Housing Services
    • Prevention and shelter diversion
    • Client Support services
    • Capital Investments
    • Coordination of Resources and Data Quality Improvement

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 an independent Review Committee composed of members of the Community Advisory Board (CAB) or community members with deep understanding of the issues of homelessness within Peterborough and County. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will only be reviewed once all other applications are processed.

Jul 10 2026Request for Proposals opens
Aug 04 2026Request for Proposals closes
Aug 07-14 2026Application evaluation by Review Committee
Aug 19 – Sep 2026Funding approvals by Community Advisory Board and UWP Board of Directors
Throughout Sep 2026Applicants notified and contracts signed

Applications 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.

CRITERIAMAX POINTS
1. Organizational Capacity & Readiness10
2. Project Description & Community Alignment20
3. Demonstrated Need & Rationale15
4. Project Feasibility & Target Population10
5. Outcomes, Deliverables & Evaluation20
6. Sustainability & Exit Strategy5
7. Partnerships & System Integration10
8. Budget, Financial Clarity & Value for Money10
Total available points100

Email your completed application form and additional documents to: reachinghome@uwpeterborough.ca

IMPORTANT:

  • The deadline for completed applications is AUGUST 4, 2026
  • Incomplete applications or applications received after this deadline will only be reviewed after all other applications have been processed.
  • UWP will send an email to confirm receipt of your application. If you do not receive a confirmation within two business days of sending, please follow up with an email to the address indicated above.
  • Applications must be submitted via email in the original fillable PDF (application) and Excel (Budget and Staff Summary) format.
  • Sustainability plans and letters of support can be sent in either word or PDF format.
  • Please do not submit any documents other than those requested.

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.

Learn More About Reaching Home

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

Social Posts

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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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18368249788231871
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 â„č reachinghome@uwpeterborough.ca.

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18073160870347426
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 â„č reachinghome@uwpeterborough.ca.

Well prepared and ready to learn! đŸ“šâœïž
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.

đŸ“Č Contact us today to get involved!

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Well prepared and ready to learn! đŸ“šâœïž 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. đŸ“Č 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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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18096127799192359
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 beđŸ€”?

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18000090233781968
👀 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 beđŸ€”?

22% of Canadians live with a disability.

41% of people in poverty have a disability.

Those numbers aren’t just statistics; they’re a call to action.

This #DisabilityPrideMonth, United Way Peterborough & District stands with people with disabilities to break barriers and build communities where everyone belongs.

We invest in accessible community programs and barrier-reduction initiatives as part of a strategic response to this gap.
đŸ€â€ïž

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 17886484710427660
22% of Canadians live with a disability. 41% of people in poverty have a disability. Those numbers aren’t just statistics; they’re a call to action. This #DisabilityPrideMonth, United Way Peterborough & District stands with people with disabilities to break barriers and build communities where everyone belongs. We invest in accessible community programs and barrier-reduction initiatives as part of a strategic response to this gap. đŸ€â€ïž

Canada looks like the neighbour who checks in. The volunteer who shows up. The community that holds space for everyone.

This July 1, we recommit to a Canada where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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Canada looks like the neighbour who checks in. The volunteer who shows up. The community that holds space for everyone. This July 1, we recommit to a Canada where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our office is closed today, Wednesday July 1 and will reopen tomorrow, Thursday July 2.

Looking for support? Dial 211 to be connected to non-emergency community health and social services in our area.

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Our office is closed today, Wednesday July 1 and will reopen tomorrow, Thursday July 2. Looking for support? Dial 211 to be connected to non-emergency community health and social services in our area.

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Our grand finale retirement prank: a boardroom full of Jim’s! Thanks for the laughs, Jim.

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day.

We celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and MĂ©tis Peoples.

Let’s continue learning and reflecting together

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Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day. We celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and MĂ©tis Peoples. Let’s continue learning and reflecting together
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