A Place Called Home (APCH) in Lindsay is marking three decades of providing homelessness services supports in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County by hosting a special community event on World Homeless Day in October.
The emergency housing shelter is inviting community members to gather on Friday, October 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, located at 40 William St. N. in Lindsay, for a 30th anniversary celebration.
“This special event brings together friends, neighbours, and changemakers to reflect on the journey so far and recommit to building a future where everyone has a safe place to call home,” reads a statement from APCH.
The evening will feature guest speaker longtime Toronto city councillor and housing advocate Joe Mihevc, who will share insights and inspiration drawn from decades of public service. There will also be a performance by the Kawartha Lakes Brass Ensemble, and light refreshments will be served by Board And Nibble Catering Co.
While the event is free, those interested in attending are asked to register in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/1645351132529.
Those who are unable to attend but who would still like to support APCH can donate to the “30 For 30” fundraising campaign at www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/13431.
APCH will officially launch the campaign during the 30th anniversary event on World Homeless Day, with the goal of raising $30,000.
According to APCH, more and more low-income individuals and families are at risk of homelessness because of rising inflation and escalating rental costs. APCH executive director Angela Ricciuti and fund development coordinator Jen Lopinski shared with kawarthaNOW how the $30,000 will support the non-profit organization.
“Fundraised dollars will go towards advancement of our strategic planning goals, upkeep of equipment, unexpected costs related to our shelter and programs, and to address individual client needs,” they said.
In December 2024, APCH received approval from the City of Kawartha Lakes to extend its capacity of emergency shelter spaces from 19 to 30. APCH was able to find the space within its current building to accommodate the expansion. When the shelter was rebuilt during the pandemic, its square footage increased, as has its needs in recent years.
Looking to the colder months ahead, Ricciuti and Lopinski noted the organization will “continue to operate at our new 30 bed capacity and plans for winter will be confirmed in October.”
As well as providing emergency shelter to those experiencing homelessness, APCH provides drop-in services for those at risk of homelessness. Clients can access shower, laundry, and bathroom facilities, receive one meal a day, and work with staff to build a housing plan designed to lead to improved housing stability.
The roots of the organization go back to 1991, when a transitional housing group in Lindsay met for the first time. The following year, the group changed its name to “A Place Called Home” and worked on a plan to house homeless people as quickly as possible.
Incorporated as a registered charity in 1993, A Place Called Home worked over the next two years to secure a location and obtain funding to open a transition house in January 1995. The current 30-bed shelter at 64 Lindsay Street South in Lindsay opened in 2022.
Meanwhile, World Homeless Day is observed internationally on the 10th of October every year. The day serves as a platform to celebrate good works, benchmark progress, advocate for improved policies and funding that can help prevent and end homelessness.
World Homeless Day also aims to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience homelessness and promote work in local communities to alleviate suffering and prevent death.
