Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) hosted a full-day fundraiser Saturday at Dreams of Beans Café, raising awareness and support for its transitional housing project.
The event, “Lighting the Path: A Day of Music, Comedy and Inspiration,” featured a lineup of local performers and guest speakers from noon until nearly midnight. Entry was by donation, and the event was also livestreamed on PATH’s Facebook page.
Margaret Slavin, PATH Board Chair, said the fundraiser grew from an idea by GoFundMe organizer Rebekka Landon.
PATH is a grassroots group advocating for a housing-first, community-first solution to chronic homelessness. The organization is currently appealing a Peterborough city council decision that denied a temporary rezoning proposal. The proposal aimed to create transitional housing and wrap-around services for 24 people facing long-term homelessness.
Slavin says the road to this point has been challenging.
The appeal is now before the Ontario Land Tribunal. While PATH has secured near-pro bono legal representation, organizers said the process comes with substantial costs and the group receives no government funding. PATH continues to rely on community donations, including through its GoFundMe campaign, to cover legal and operational expenses.
Slavin says they’re staying busy and remain optimistic about putting their previously established cabins to use.
Slavin confirms June 26 will be the final day of their hearing.
(Written by: Noah Lorusso)
