In phase I, beginning in 2022/23, Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) is establishing 15 sleeping cabins to transition those experiencing homelessness into community. In Phase II, we will form a tiny homes community (or communities).
PATH incorporated in 2022 as a non-profit organization (charitable status pending), formed by a steering committee, around a shared vision depicted in the documentary film entitled, “Community First: A Home for the Homeless.”
This is an intentional, community-centred model of care and purpose, occurring within a village- like setting.
Over the past year, PATH has been on a journey of discovery, exploring various models in neighbouring communities, connecting with their leaders, learning through the process. This will enable us, together with community partners and all our neighbours, to create our own model, to meet the needs of those living unsheltered in Peterborough.
Brian, a recently unhoused Peterborough citizen, visits the sleeping cabin village in Kitchener.
Why are private citizens involved in attempting to solve the homelessness crisis in Peterborough?
Everyone needs a place to sleep, a place to call home and people who care.
What is the status of the housing situation in Peterborough?
As of April 2022, 317 people are listed as homeless in the City and County of Peterborough. More than half of these have a high acuity, which means that their best housing solution is supportive housing.
Shelter beds, where available, are not always the answer for many people with complex needs. Our unhoused neighbours tell us that not everyone can comply with rules or tolerate theft and violence they witness. (No couples, no pets, no privacy, is a barrier). Those with addictions and mental health issues can have trouble in crowded, congregate settings.
We are in a severe, ever- growing housing crisis in Peterborough (Hovering around 1% vacancy rate). Most alarming is the shortage of affordable rental housing for low income citizens and a scarcity of permanent, supportive housing for the most vulnerable.
This situation is exacerbated by the opioid crisis and effects of the pandemic on the mental and physical well-being of all citizens but it is the most vulnerable among us who suffer most.
“I would like to live in a tiny home community,” says Terry, an unhoused hardworking citizen who supports himself by delivering papers and recycling bottles and cans.