Haliburton County’s non-profit affordable housing advocate is turning to the community this holiday season, asking for donations to help keep a warm, dry roof over the heads of low-income locals.
Places for People (P4P) launched its ‘Shingle All the Way’ campaign in early December, asking County residents to dip into their pockets to purchase symbolic shingles, priced at $25 each. The non-profit’s president, Susan Tromanhauser, said this is a great way to give back to the community, noting a donation could be the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list.
Each shingle purchased will directly support ongoing and future roof maintenance at P4P’s 21 rental units, Tromanhauser said.
The non-profit has housed more than 100 people since its launch in 2005 and is preparing for expansion. This past fall, the group announced a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough-Haliburton, committing to purchasing 15 units in a new 35-unit complex slated for Peninsula Road in Haliburton village.
“Through the generous contributions of our donors we have been able to continue providing housing for our current tenants. And, moving forward, we have the opportunity to grow our inventory of non-market rental units,” Tromanhauser said. “We can’t do it without the continued support of this amazing community.
She said the need for under-market rental housing in the Highlands continues to grow, with rising real estate prices over the past five years pushing many towards housing insecurity.
“Many local residents – individuals, families, single parents and seniors – are finding it harder than ever to afford market rents, or aspire to home ownership, as prices rise beyond reach,” Tromanhauser said.
Last year’s holiday campaign brought in nearly $20,000 and was used to repair/replace windows and ensure units are heated appropriately. This year, P4P is hoping to raise $30,000. Purchases can be made online at www. placesforpeople.ca.
“Help us reach our goal and give a gift of conscience. By purchasing a $25 shingle, you directly help maintain essential, safe shelters for our tenants – a gift that goes far beyond the holidays and delivers tangible change year-round,” Tromanhauser said.
