PATH'S STORY: FROM CRISIS TO COMMUNITY

PATH’s Story: From Crisis to Community Photo credit: Niki AllDay and PtboCanada.com To read the full article click here PATH began in 2019, during a growing housing crisis in Peterborough. A public encampment outside City Hall brought the issue into sharp focus, making it clear just how urgent and widespread homelessness had become in our community. Like many grassroots efforts, PATH started with a conversation—around a dining room table. A small group of local residents and advocates came together, asking one simple but powerful question: What can we do to make sure no one is left behind? They knew the traditional approaches weren’t working. The problem was complex, and the solutions had to be different. So, they started exploring new ideas—looking into tiny home communities, talking to other cities, and learning what was working elsewhere. By 2022, PATH had a clear vision, mission, and set of values to guide our work. And we’ve been moving forward ever since. Our Vision We imagine a Peterborough where everyone belongs. A place where people who have experienced homelessness can find safety, support, and a chance to truly heal—surrounded by community. Our Mission We believe everyone deserves a safe home and a caring community. PATH supports people in Peterborough who have faced long-term homelessness by creating spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and healing. We help people rebuild their lives and reconnect with others—because housing alone isn’t enough. People need community, dignity, and support. We're also working to change the bigger picture—by creating transitional and deeply affordable supportive housing in partnership with One City, throughout the City of Peterborough. Look at us then............ ...... And look at us now! Faces of Compassion: Meet PATH's Board of Directors At PATH, we believe that real change starts with real people—those who show up every day with compassion, commitment, and a shared vision of a community where everyone has a place to call home. This month, we’re excited to introduce you to the dedicated individuals behind our mission: our board of directors and steering committee members. Each one brings unique skills, experiences, and heart to the work we do, and together, they form the backbone of PATH. Margaret Slavin, Founder, Board and Steering Committee Member & former Board Chair "Without stable housing, everything else—health, work, hope—becomes nearly impossible. That’s why PATH’s work, from our clothing hub to the Ready for Home program, matters so deeply." Read More Sheila Nabigon-Howlett, Founder, Former Board Secretary, Board and Steering Committee Member, Chair of the Fundraising & Events Committee "Let’s imagine a Peterborough where everyone has safe, truly affordable housing. Let’s replace stigma with compassion, and fear with understanding. Let’s rise to the challenge—and show what love can do." Read More Sue Gontier, Founder, Board and Steering Committee Member & Volunteer Director of the Community Clothing Hub "We need spaces where people are not only sheltered, but seen, valued, and welcomed. Spaces where healing can happen, and where community becomes the foundation for new beginnings." Read More Marion Burton, Board Chair "PATH's work speaks to my unwavering belief in dignity, equity and care for all" Read More Bev Assinck, Secretary "I believe that we can all work together to make a significant difference in the world" Read More Bill Templeman, Director "We have the resources to provide housing for everyone. But we continually chose not to do so. Citizen advocacy is one way to cajole our governments into taking action."   Read More Rhonda Gilchrist, Treasurer "Everyone deserves the dignity, security, and hope that come with having a safe place to call home."   Read More Connect with us!

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