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

Thank you to those 3 or 4 folks who tuned into this live video!

It was an experiment, and while I could edit it before I post it, I’m not going to.

You know why?

I have zero s***s and zero f&cks about perfection.

This was raw, real, off the cuff and that’s the vibe of this new season.

No fluff, no pretend toxic positivity, it’s too late for that.

Rural Canadians have to organize, unite, be inspired and connect with one another not just online but in REAL spaces like the grocery store and the dentist, but authentically. When you ask how someone is, you actually wait and listen for the answer and give a genuine reaction. Or when asked how things are, you have the courage to say if you need help or things aren’t ‘perfect’.

Hence the rawness of the video.

This is the vibe of season four. REAL.

Thanks for your patience as I took the time to heal and grow (still in progress by the way) but basically just to exhale, and get ready for the next chapter, ‘cause from all reports, we’re in for a rough ride!

See you real soon, before the end of October!

I was fortunate enough to have a tour of the Fusion Youth Centre in Ingersoll, Ontario last month. Craig Boddy has been with the organization for over a decade and seen many transitions. The building is a former school, purchased by the municipality, when youth crime was a burgeoning issue.

The centre was established in 2006 to provide a safe space for kids after school. It offers a wide range of programs and facilities, including a gymnasium, lounge, kitchen, recording studio, and tech centre. The centre has seen changes in its age group, membership fees, and programming to adapt to the evolving needs of youth. Craig shares success stories of youth who have benefited from the centre and emphasizes the importance of community support and partnerships. He also discusses the challenges of keeping up with youth trends and the positive impact of the centre in preventing youth from engaging in negative behaviors.

Takeaways

* The Fusion Youth Center in Ingersoll, Ontario, provides a safe space for kids after school and offers a wide range of programs and facilities.

* The center has evolved over the years, including changes in its age group, membership fees, and programming to meet the changing needs of youth.

* Community support and partnerships have played a crucial role in the success of the center, with organizations like United Way Oxford providing funding.

* The center has had a positive impact in preventing youth from engaging in negative behaviors and has seen success stories of youth who have benefited from its programs.

* Challenges include keeping up with youth trends, such as technology and cyberbullying, and the limitations of being part of a municipality in terms of funding and decision-making.

During our conversation, Craig mentions a study and paper that was authored and produced through the University of Guelph. The two authors were Heather Cross and Al C. Lauzon. You can find it online here: Fostering Rural Youth Wellbeing through Afterschool Programs:

The Case of Fusion Youth and Technology Centre, Ingersoll, Ontario (2015)

Fusion Facebook page