Logo for Connections Podcast

Connections Podcast

WXXI News

Evan Dawson talks about what matters to you on Connections. Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections. For transcripts, please email our Move to Include team with a link to the episode.

2025 WXXI

Evan Dawson talks about what matters to you on Connections. Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections. For transcripts, please email our Move to Include team with a link to the episode.

2025 WXXI
42hr 18min
Thumbnail for "As Rochester struggles to address homelessness, the shelter system steps up".
Thumbnail for "The publishing puzzle: Local authors on how to reach readers".
Thumbnail for "State of Monroe County; NYS legislative session wraps; America's 250th".
Thumbnail for "Keeping fights out of Ontario Beach Park".
Thumbnail for "'Connections on the Road:' Youth mental health".
Thumbnail for "From the classroom to the arena: Rochester students take on robotics challenges".
Thumbnail for "Raj Goyle, candidate for New York State comptroller".
Thumbnail for "Sharing life lessons across generations".
Thumbnail for "Why is gun violence declining?".
Thumbnail for "Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month".
Thumbnail for "The growth of women in farming".
Thumbnail for "Summer movie preview".
Thumbnail for "Music as medicine: How the arts can heal".
Thumbnail for "Rochester Cocktail Revival returns".
Thumbnail for "Local Islamic leaders on the deadly San Diego mosque shooting".
Thumbnail for "Ukrainian artists create beauty amid tragedy".
Thumbnail for "A contentious debate about two old school buildings, part 2".
Thumbnail for "Local students team up with NASA astronauts".
Thumbnail for "New Yorker cover artist Harry Bliss on his memoir, 'You Can Never Die'".
Thumbnail for "AI in the arts: Does technology strengthen or silence the creative process?".
Thumbnail for "What is a "K-shaped economy" and how does it affect you?".
Thumbnail for "Fight over Irondequoit Mall space; school budget votes; celebrating the Rochester Subway".
Thumbnail for "'15 minutes saved my life.' How changes in stroke care are transforming lives".
Thumbnail for "Challenging the legitimacy of standardized testing".
Thumbnail for "'I don't call it out because I still need you to be my doctor.' Local woman explains ableism in healthcare".
Thumbnail for "What could a possible American invasion mean for Cuba?".
Thumbnail for "New program encourages forgoing phones to help forge friendships".
Thumbnail for "The risks of overstretching the American military".
Thumbnail for "Let’s talk about (not having) sex".
Thumbnail for "The journalist who saw the AI threat coming".
Thumbnail for "NYS budget holdup; possible Peace Village foreclosure; Rochester Bike Week".
Thumbnail for "Vision Zero plan explores automated traffic enforcement".
Thumbnail for "Rochester ranks high for allergies. What should we know about triggers and treatment?".
Thumbnail for "RCSD superintendent and board leaders address key issues for schools".
Thumbnail for "CITY Magazine brings you 'every festival under the sun...in Rochester'".
Thumbnail for "A contentious debate about two old school buildings".
Thumbnail for "'Listen to Your Mother' returns with stories of love, loss, and lessons".
Thumbnail for "The king comes to the United States".
Thumbnail for "Preparing for a 'heavy' tick season; treating 'chemo brain;' Garth Fagan Dance celebrates 55 years".
Thumbnail for "250 years later, is judicial independence crumbling?".
Thumbnail for "Fewer drinkers, fewer Canadian tourists equal trouble for the Finger Lakes wine industry".
Thumbnail for "New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, running for reelection".
Thumbnail for "Spring planting questions? We have the answers.".
Thumbnail for "What's new and what's next at the YMCA of Greater Rochester?".
Thumbnail for "How 'bike boulevards' have changed cycling in one local town".
Thumbnail for "A vision for revitalizing the High Falls District".
Thumbnail for "Amy Goodman, host of 'Democracy Now!'".
Thumbnail for "ICE detains local advocate; erosion of the Chimney Bluffs; plant trees!".
Thumbnail for "Why Rochester City Council chose housing".
Thumbnail for "Sen. Jeremy Cooney on transportation priorities for New York state".

As Rochester struggles to address homelessness, the shelter system steps up

Thumbnail for "As Rochester struggles to address homelessness, the shelter system steps up".
May 26, 202650min 16sec

Last year, the Rochester area saw its highest count of homeless individuals since at least 2007. Shelters are often overcrowded, and street homeless are becoming more visible. Guest host Gino Fanelli explores what the shelter system is doing to meet demand, and what resources are still needed. In studio:

  • Amy D’Amico, housing advocate and founder of Rochester Grants Pass Resistance
  • Anna Valeria, president of Livingston Impact Advisors
  • Mercedes Vazquez Simmons, president and founding member of Sister Grace’s homeless shelter La Madonna Della Strada

---

Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

---

Connectionsairs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

---

Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Thumbnail for "As Rochester struggles to address homelessness, the shelter system steps up".
As Rochester struggles to address homelessness, the shelter system steps up
00:00
50:16