Last month, Jane Wilson and Joanne Rowland of Cavan Monaghan organized a fundraising event in honour of the late Erin Sullivan, a young woman who died in 2022 of Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 43. They knew Erin through a Buddhist meditation program in Peterborough. Erin had dedicated a great deal of time serving Peterborough’s downtown community through organizations such as One City and One Roof. At one point late in her life, Erin said that if she had a ton of money, she would buy people houses. The idea stuck, and recently became a reality thanks to her family and friends like Jane and Joanne who helped in the financing of Erin’s House, now owned by One City Peterborough.
This is an organization supporting those who have experienced homelessness and/or criminalization, helping them become full members of the community. Their programs are aimed at creating stability and helping support the health of these individuals with housing, employment and other support programs, addressing immediate needs for those sleeping outdoors and by advocating for system change. The organization believes that housing security is a key ingredient required to build a safe, inclusive community.
The organization currently owns four houses and manages seven locations that provide 50 permanent places to live, but many more places are needed. Tenants receive a range of supports to help maintain their new housing situation, accessing health services, extending their education and helping them to participate more fully in the community.
The home now called Erin’s House has been managed by the organization since 2020, and is home to four individuals who have emerged from homelessness. The home owner wanted to sell and had made a very generous offer to the organization. Half of the purchase price was provided by an anonymous donor, with another $55K+ contributed directly by Erin’s family and friends. The objective of the March fundraiser was to raise as much of the remaining $160K to help reduce the mortgage that was required to complete the transaction.
Photo supplied.
Pictured are Kate Brioux, Kate Suhr, Melissa Payne and tucked in the back, Paul Crough performing at the fundraising event on March 22nd.
In a nod to Erin’s Irish roots, Jane and Joanne decided to host a traditional Irish-style Kitchen Party at the Peterborough Lions’ Community Centre. Erin’s friend Megan Murphy acted as host and talent organizer, recruiting Melissa Payne, Kate Brioux, Paul Crough and Kate Suhr to provide the music. The $25 tickets sold out within a few hours. A freak snow storm arriving shortly before the doors opened meant some people didn’t come, but those on the waiting list more than made up for the no-shows. The facility was humming with an incredible atmosphere. Silent auction items were snapped up, there was music, dancing and laughter. It was the kind of party Erin would have enjoyed. The event was a resounding success, raising more than $13K for the cause.
With their first event under their belts, the organizers have a few ideas about how to streamline their next one. They will need a larger venue and a simplified way to manage the cash flow, but they are already talking about the next one. Certainly the need isn’t going away. Congratulations for contributing to such a complex challenge. No doubt Erin would be pleased. For more information about One City Peterborough, visit onecityptbo.ca. KG
