One year ago, I started a new job at the Human Development Council.
I thought I knew my community. I grew up here. I had worked here. Raised a family here. I had watched it change, celebrated its successes, worried about its struggles.
But working at the Human Development Council has put a different lens on things. You really notice how connected everything is.
Housing isn’t just housing. It affects health, employment, education, family stability and belonging.
Food insecurity isn’t just about food.
Poverty isn’t just about income.
And community wellbeing isn’t something that can be measured by a single number.
Over 1,700 people experiencing homelessness in July across Saint John, Moncton, Fredericton and Bathurst. More than 28,000 people accessing food banks in New Brunswick in April. Our province’s child poverty rate at 21.9%. 41% of employees in New Brunswick earning less than the provincial living wage in 2025.
Those numbers can feel staggering.
But out there on the front lines, people are working their asses off to put a dent in those numbers, helping others to find housing, put food on the table, support their families and build stronger communities.
And behind the scenes, the teams at the Human Development Council are collecting and compiling the data, presenting the research, and helping to advocate for change.
Meaningful change isn’t simple or quick. It takes research, collaboration, a network of contacts, good questions, challenging conversations, and steadfastness.
The people I am lucky to work with, they get that. And they persist.
As long as there are people caring about each other and caring about our communities, I have hope. Hope that meaningful, positive change is possible.
I don’t know how I got to be lucky enough to work for HDC, but one year in, I’m still learning, still hopeful, and very grateful to be part of this team. ❤️
