In a collaborative effort between the City of Peterborough, One City Peterborough, the United Way Peterborough and District, and the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network, a new initiative is aiming to address homelessness during the winter months while providing essential daytime support.
Starting last night, the Trinity Community Centre at 360 Reid St. began housing a winter overnight drop-in space for individuals experiencing homelessness. Operated by One City under an agreement with the City of Peterborough, this service will be available daily from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. until the end of March, accommodating up to 45 people.
The overnight drop-in space replaces the City’s overflow shelter bed program, currently located at the Peterborough Public Library with a capacity of 30 beds.
A new daytime drop-in service will also be initiated by One City at the Trinity Community Centre from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily, starting Friday. Open year-round and supported by the City of Peterborough, this program is designed to assist anyone, providing access to resources and connections to community programs. The Trinity Community Centre daytime drop-in program will replace the One Roof Community Centre’s similar program at 99 Brock St., which will close its doors tomorrow.
The Trinity Community Centre’s daytime drop-in space is open to all, offering light snacks with plans to develop a full meal program in the near future.
In addition to these services, the Trinity Community Centre will extend its hours during severe weather events to provide shelter from the elements.
Christian Harvey, Executive Director of One City Peterborough, expressed the importance of this partnership, stating, “In a time where so many are being pushed to the margins, we need to do all we can to offer support.”
The initiative, made possible through collaboration between various organizations, aims to assist those struggling to survive during the challenging winter months. The City’s emergency shelter network, operated by community partner agencies, currently offers 127 shelter beds.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
