Supporting needs of Ontarians through safe space in the forest.
Trauma Helpline's approach is grounded in addressing two root causes of homelessness, rather than only its downstream effects.
The organization recognizes that many in the Peterborough region who are engaged with the justice system may not have adequate housing and may become part of the cycle that bring them in front of the court without proper support. Trauma Helpline is there to break that cycle.
People experiencing homelessness on a single night in Peterborough & County
(Fall 2024 Point-in-Time Count)
265+
Priority
The Ontario population comes first: including Indigenous and Veterans.
Partnership
Agreements with local community partners, Legion branches, and local Indigenous organizations, working alongside existing systems, not duplicating them.
Evidence
Grounded in Housing First and HUD-VASH-style supportive housing, stable housing paired with case management and clinical support, the model Parliament itself pointed to via Motion M-225.
Choice
Private, standalone cabins rather than a congregate shelter, respecting the chronically homeless' documented preference for genuine choice in how they're housed.
Support
Health, mental health, employment, and justice system contact reintegration support. Support coordinated from an on-site office rather than to be left for those experiencing homelessness to arrange alone.
The forest is part of the design. The site sits surrounded by trees, a quiet, natural setting increasingly recognized as a genuine complement to clinical and peer support, giving residents room for reflection, healing, and stability at their own pace.
More than a roof
An on-site office coordinates the support that makes stable housing last, kept physically distinct from residents' private living space.
Peer support
Including Indigenous-led peer support, connecting residents with others who understand the path from service to homelessness to stability.
Workforce skills
Employment and skills training to help those experiencing homelessness build the experience and confidence needed to re-enter society..
Justice system contact re-integration
Dedicated support for those experiencing homelessness, and those transitioning from incarceration,
Affordable, self-sustaining rent
Private land means cost can stay well below market rate, and may be sustained through Ontario Works, ODSP, and other subsidies while participants recover their wellbeing.
Housing costs less than the alternative
Stable housing isn't just the humane option, it's consistently the cheaper one, for the person and for the public purse.
$114,587
Average annual cost of a federal inmate vs. $18,058 per year to supervise someone in the community
$8.27
Saved for every $10 invested in Housing First services for high-need participants, per Canada's At Home/Chez Soi trial
Shelter bed, per month
$ 1,932.00
Provincial jail bed, per month
$ 4,333.00
Hospital bed, per month
$ 10,900.00
Supported Housing