What We Do
A Place Called Home is a place of encouragement.
Since 1995, our agency has supported homeless men, women and families with children in the City of Kawartha Lakes and County of Haliburton.
Helping People Move Forward…
APCH is a place of encouragement. We help people who find themselves homeless get back on their feet so they are able to move forward and obtain a stable residence. Living in crisis is very stressful and once a resident has found a way through that, their mental and physical health can improve significantly. It is just one of the reasons we are here and it is very rewarding to help make a difference in the lives of people who are facing a serious crisis.
We help those at risk of becoming homeless keep their homes. We continue to help previous guests through ongoing communication and providing support to prevent situations that could put them at risk of becoming homeless again. Our staff has extensive knowledge of all government and community based programs and services related to homelessness and the barriers that those facing homelessness encounter.
Our many community partners play a large part in helping our clients through this process through our extensive referral network.
Our Programs:
01. Outreach & AfterCare Program
A Place Called Home’s Outreach and AfterCare Program strives to prevent homelessness. Whether it is a family concerned they may be evicted from their home or a previous guest who is at risk of becoming homeless again, this program is designed to assist with various concerns or circumstances that, if left unresolved, could result in homelessness.
The only requirement for participation is that those in need are not currently residing in the shelter and have an extenuating circumstance that may threaten, or currently threatens, their ability to maintain their housing.
This program runs 24/7.
02. Youth Trustee Program
The Youth Trustee Program is available for youth, ages 16-25 (up to 32 under special circumstances) who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.
Youth can drop in and meet with a Youth Trustee Worker or book an appointment at A Place Called Home during our scheduled hours of operation by calling our office at 705-328-0905 or 1-866-520-2689, x.223.
Looking for help? Contact us today.
APCH through the years…
1990s
February 1991 The new Transitional Housing group met for the first time.
January 1992 The group changed their name to “A Place Called Home” and started to develop a plan to house homeless people now or as quickly as possible with the least amount of red tape as they possibly could.
May 1992 A Place Called Home made its first financial appeal to the local faith community.
March 1993 A Place Called Home was officially incorporated as a registered charity.
November 1993 (Bricks and Mortar) A letter of intent to lease a five-bedroom house, rent geared to income was sent to what was then called Victoria Haliburton Housing Authority.
August 1994 An application was submitted for a grant that would provide seed money to hire a project coordinator for one year.
October 1994 A Place Called Home was informed that they were approved to rent a 5-bedroom rental unit that would be available January 1st of 1995.
October 1994 A Place Called Home was approved for a one year grant to hire a project coordinator to develop guidelines for and would manage their transitional house. Funding would begin in January of 1995.
December 1994 The upcoming official opening of A Place Called Home was celebrated with an ecumenical service of thanksgiving. A project coordinator was hired.
January 1995 The doors of the transitional house were opened to the first resident.
January 1997 - 2001 Lindsay Town Council acknowledge the group’s efforts by endorsing “Homeless Awareness Week” during the third week of January.
March 1999 Development of Strategic Plan in order to establish a 24-hour Emergency Shelter for the growing numbers of homeless in our community.
2000s
October 2001 The purchase of property with side by side buildings that would accommodate a 24-hour emergency shelter following renovations.
December 2002 Renovations completed to the first building (McMurray House) ready for occupancy and with the first residents moving in just days before Christmas.
June 2003 Renovations completed to the second building (Pinto House) providing a total of 19 beds to serve the homeless of our community.
July 2003 Official Ribbon Cutting.
January 2004 The first Homeless Prevention Programs were developed and implemented to assist those at risk of becoming homeless remain housed.
September 2008 Official Ribbon cutting held for the newly renovated accessible administration offices with offices for our Homeless Prevention Programs. The renovation was funded by the Lindsay Legacy CHEST Fund and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
2010s
June 2013 Pilot project to expand services on the ground in Haliburton County begins. Office would remain in operation for 26 months until the programs were absorbed by the City of Kawartha Lakes.
2016 A five year strategic plan was developed. We will be working our way through it, reaching strategic goals through to 2021.
2018 APCH purchased the property adjacent to their current operations in order to provide supported and affordable housing to five to six high needs individuals.
2020s
2020 Following the COVID outbreak, it was decided to pursue the development and construction of a new, 19 bed emergency shelter. This was supported by all levels of government and private donors. Estimated construction completion is the winter of 2022.
