The folks at the Rural Development Network (RDN) have been on the pod previously, but much has changed since that time (January 2023).

Nearing the end of 2025, urgent issues have shifted for rural communities, and RDN has shifted to serve those priorities.

When new President and CEO Melissa Fougere reached out to me in late October about having some of her team on the podcast, it took us a little bit to find a date and time that worked for all.

Summary

In this episode, I spoke with Sydney Stenekes, Director of Homelessness Initiatives and Mary McGuire, Program Manager from the Rural Development Network about their initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness, supporting aging populations, and fostering inclusive communities in rural Canada. They discuss the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced by rural communities, and the innovative approaches taken to provide support and resources. The conversation highlights the significance of data collection, storytelling, and collaboration in creating effective solutions for social issues in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

Takeaways

* Homelessness in rural areas often manifests as hidden homelessness.

* Community engagement is crucial for identifying needs and solutions.

* Funding opportunities are available for communities to address social issues.

* Aging populations face unique challenges in rural settings.

* Data collection helps understand housing needs and service gaps.

* Veterans experience unique challenges related to housing insecurity.

* Storytelling is vital for advocating for community needs and securing funding.

00:00 Introduction to the Rural Development Network

03:29 Community Engagement and Funding Models

08:21 Addressing Urgent Issues in Rural Communities

14:08 Connecting with Organizations and Community Needs

18:36 Rural Immigration and Community Support

22:58 Understanding Homelessness in Rural Areas

28:34 Data Collection and Amplifying Voices

42:41 Conclusion and Future Directions