United Way Peterborough & District is pleased to announce its Emergency Winter Response to Homelessness Initiative, funded by the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program.
As the Community Entity for the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program, United Way Peterborough & District was recently informed of a $1.12 million incremental increase in funding,
bringing the total annual community allocation to $1,469,224. UWP convened a community conversation with agencies, city officials, and advocates, all of whom are dealing directly with the issue of
homelessness in the community. The purpose was to understand more clearly how best to invest the money as an emergency response to homelessness during the winter.
United Way Peterborough & District CEO Jim Russell notes “The leadership of the Federal Government in prioritizing ending homelessness is greatly appreciated. Our consultation identified 4 critical areas for the coming months.”
Those included:
• Outreach particularly outside of 9-5
• Safe after-hours drop-in space for people banned or choosing not to enter shelter system
• Health care outreach and COVID testing for homeless individuals
• Adding more permanent housing options for people experiencing homelessness
Ten community partners will be funded through to March 31, 2022. (see attached)
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Our government is committed to supporting our most vulnerable, especially those in the Peterborough area who are experiencing or are at risk of being homeless. We will continue to do our part to help those who need it most and ensure no one is left behind.”
-Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
The success of this initiative will be monitored through ongoing data collection. The United Way will produce a final report on the outcomes and impact of their Emergency Winter Response to Homelessness Initiative.
“This is clearly a stopgap, for the next 4 months. We want to make sure as much as possible that people do not die alone in the cold. What is critically needed is permanent safe, affordable housing for people.” Russell states.
