City of Peterborough, Housing Division

The following paper investigates Peterborough residents' experiences with current geared-to-income rent supplement programs offered by Peterborough Housing Corporation. The purpose of this research was to capture the participants' personal experiences and determine whether geared- to-income rent supplements have a positive effect on people's lives financially as well as their overall well-being. To obtain this goal, all the tenants receiving geared-to-income rent supplements from Peterborough Housing Corporation were mailed a survey. The survey consisted of quantitative and qualitative questions concerning the allocation of financial resources while receiving rent supplements. Participants were asked whether their quality of life has improved since receiving rent supplements. Additional data was collected from participants to determine how participants heard about the program, how long they were waitlisted, whether they are currently on a waitlist for other forms of affordable housing, and any personal comments they had about the program. The research showed participants' quality of life has improved compared to life before receiving rent supplements. Most respondents said that while receiving rent supplements they could afford things that they could not before such as better quality food, transportation, and child care. In addition, most respondents reported an increased sense of community while receiving supplements since they can socialize more within and outside their homes. However, future research should be conducted with the landlords participating in these programs, as well as a comparison to flat-rate rent supplements they City of Peterborough offers.