#UNIGNORABLE Issue: Homelessness
You may remember the encampment of homeless people living in “tent city” in downtown Peterborough in the summer of 2019. Did you ever wonder where those people went?
You might have seen some of those folks now sleeping rough in ravines, alley ways, alcoves, or in cars. You may have heard of or know someone who is “couch surfing.” You may have seen some of them from the comfort of your car, or perhaps outside your place of business, your favourite shop or restaurant. One such man, who I will call “Joe”, sleeps under the shelter of our United Way sign. That is not a metaphor. Joe does indeed sleep under the actual sign at the corner of King and Stewart streets – in the dark, in the cold, alone and outside.
Do you wonder what created this reality for Joe? As winter approaches, do you wonder who cares for Joe? Does he have family, a friend, a community? Does he have someone who knows him, loves him, accepts him, sees him? No one wakes up one day and decides to become homeless.
Homelessness is a complex issue and needs to be viewed through the broader context of addictions, mental health, family breakdown, literacy, lack of affordable housing, and lack of income.
People who have adequate income, good mental health, strong family supports, and a connection to others, do not usually end up homeless. Because they have a network of support and life skills to draw on, they have resiliency.
We fund a number of agencies that help with homelessness in Peterborough. Click here to see the full list of partner agencies we fund. We work hard to raise funds for these agencies, so they can focus on closing the gap on homelessness in Peterborough.
Below is a powerful video that shines a light on homelessness.
![🎉 85 years of showing up for our community, and we’re just getting started!
We’re so excited to be officially kicking off the 2026 United Way Peterborough & District Community Campaign NEXT WEEK and we’re incredibly grateful to have Miskin Law (@miskinlaw) joining us as our Presenting Sponsor!
Thank you to the Miskin Law team for believing in our community, supporting our work, and helping us celebrate this pretty incredible milestone. We’re so lucky to have partners who show up alongside us to build community.
With new leadership, an incredible Campaign Chair in Tiffany Arcari (@_thetiffanyshow), and so many exciting opportunities to get involved, 2026 is shaping up to be a BIG year.
🎟️ Join us for our Campaign Launch on Thursday, September 17 at Healthy Planet Arena! Tickets are just $30 and include lunch, plus an afternoon of celebration, connection and excitement for what’s ahead.
👉 Get your tickets today, available at the link in our bio.
Here’s to 85 years of caring for our community, the people who make it possible, and the next chapter ahead.
Meet Leo.
We’re told he’s very involved in the sponsorship process.
His official recommendation? Buy your Campaign Launch tickets. 😂🐾 [link in bio]](https://www.uwpeterborough.ca/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
