Groundbreaking: Accessible Affordable Housing for Women with Developmental Disabilities

Posted: 10-Jul-2025

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR), in partnership with Our Daughter’s Home, celebrated a landmark moment — the official groundbreaking of an accessible duplex in Peterborough’s East City.

Under clear summer skies, community members, public officials, local leaders, families, and Habitat supporters gathered on Sophia Street to mark the start of this important project. The home will provide permanent housing and 24/7 on-site support for seven women with developmental disabilities — a much-needed step toward inclusive, affordable housing.

This isn’t just a build — it’s a promise,” shared Hope Lee, Board Chair of Habitat PKR during the event. “Too often, women with developmental disabilities are left out of the housing conversation. Today is about changing that — and building a future where everyone has a safe place to belong.

Peterborough faces one of the tightest housing markets in Ontario, with historically low vacancy rates and rising rents. For women with developmental disabilities, securing safe and stable housing is an ongoing challenge. This new home will offer long-term stability, independence, and dignity — providing a place to call forever home.

Debby Donaghy, Treasurer of Our Daughter’s Home and parent to one of the future residents, spoke movingly about the journey to this day:

Our daughters can’t live independently and need 24/7 support. We’ve been fighting for decades to find them a home where they can live safely and with dignity. This isn’t transitional – it’s forever. We couldn’t have done this without our partnership with Habitat PKR.

Community leaders who joined us in celebrating included:

MP Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha
City Councillors Matt Crowley, Joy Lachica and Kevin Duguay
MPP Dave Smith

Councillor Crowley reflected on his personal connection to the cause through his daughter, who lives with cerebral palsy, underscoring the importance of inclusive housing options for all.

Construction is scheduled to begin later this summer.

“This is what our mission looks like in action,” added Hope Lee. “Not just building homes, but building inclusion, compassion, and possibility.”

How You Can Help

With your support, Habitat PKR will continue to provide safe, affordable, and inclusive housing for families and individuals in our region who need it most.

Every gift — big or small — helps us create more moments like today, where hope takes root and futures are transformed.