Rebekka Landon considers housing a human right and it’s one that not everybody has access to in Peterborough.
That is a reason why Landon is volunteering to help Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) spread the word about an upcoming fundraiser and generate funding for the local group.
Community members are invited to attend “Lighting the Path: Music, Comedy, and Inspiration” on Saturday, May 31 at Dreams of Beans at 141 Charlotte St. in Peterborough. Residents who can’t attend but who want to support PATH can make an online contribution.
“Unhoused people face many barriers when looking for shelter,” Landon told kawarthaNOW. “By supporting PATH, people will support a community-first approach to help some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
PATH is a grassroots organization in Peterborough with a mission to provide housing for those experiencing chronic homelessness.
In the summer of 2024, Peterborough city council voted against a staff recommendation for a temporary use by-law that would have allowed the building of 24 sleeping cabins at 385 Lansdowne Street East, the former site of the Peterborough Humane Society.
Several nearby businesses and residents objected to the proposal, most citing safety and security concerns, although city staff said the group’s application met the criteria for a temporary use by-law at that location.
City council’s decision to reject the staff recommendation based on objections from the public rather than the validity of the temporary use by-law application prompted PATH to file an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
A media release from the group states that council’s decision “was not in the community’s best interest or the vulnerable individuals they serve.”
PATH says it expects the OLT to make a decision on the appeal “sometime after June.”
“While a lawyer is willing to represent us nearly pro bono, we have no government assistance and rely on community support.”
Landon said PATH hopes to raise at least $10,000 through this fundraiser to support the OLT appeal process.
“While it does not cover all the legal expenses, we hope that word will spread to those who did not attend so that we can continue to get donations online,” she noted.
PATH’s appeal to the OLT will be a chance for the group to have the decision reviewed and, hopefully, overturned, PATH said.
“We’re asking for your help to raise the legal expenses, which we want to keep separate from PATH’s ongoing operational costs for the cabin community and supportive programs.”
The fundraiser on May 31 will provide an opportunity for people to support PATH while enjoying entertainment from local performers and hearing from guest speakers. Entry to the event will be by donation. Doors open at noon and closes at 11 p.m.
Those who can’t attend the event but wish to make a donation to PATH can do so on GoFundMe at gofundme.com/f/help-path-build-hope-for-the-future. As PATH has charitable status, those who donate to the campaign will receive charitable receipts.
Whether live or virtually, Landon said it’s an important cause for the community to support.
“We know that housing is a human right,” she noted. “Our approach is a housing-first model within a community-first initiative.”
