By Gabriel Louër
Daniel Hidalgo began his life within the child welfare system as an at-risk youth in Winnipeg. Today, he is giving back to the community where he once found himself as the leader of a non-profit organization, CommUNITY 204.
His journey from at-risk youth to passionate community leader is owed to the principles that guide him: “lateral empathy, lateral love, and lateral unity.” These principles, he says, emphasize mutual support, understanding, and collective strength.
Building CommUNITY Through Lived Experience
For Hidalgo, this means empowering others to build meaningful and sustainable relationships that transcend individual challenges. Because of his experiences with the child welfare system, Hidalgo says that he is well-positioned to help people in need. In many ways, the opportunity to give back is the silver-lining of his upbringing.
As the founder of CommUNITY 204, Daniel has created a space for youth in Winnipeg to engage, grow, and lead. According to Hidalgo, CommUNITY 204 aims to provide opportunities addressing the immediate needs for at-risk individuals such as “free residency relocation, furniture redistribution, Red River boat patrols, peacekeeping, weekly community engagement walks, healthy activism, and safe, inclusive advocacy initiatives” among other things.
Recognition and Impact: Making a Measurable Difference
Unique in its approach, CommUNITY204 involves young people directly in the design and implementation of programs, fostering a sense of ownership and leadership. This empowerment model helps at-risk youth develop their own vision for a better future, while simultaneously contributing to the strength of the community.
Hidalgo says that “everyone has a civic responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing of their city and to treat all residents with respect.” and that by promoting leadership opportunities, this responsibility can be achieved.
The impact of Hidalgo’s work has not gone unnoticed. He has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including the CBC Future 40 Under 40 Award in Community Activism and Volunteerism, the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Leadership Award, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award.
Recently, Hidalgo announced at the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce’s Gala that CommUNITY 204 had successfully provided over 40,000 meals and over 300 beds for at-risk individuals.
What’s more, Hidalgo’s commitment extends beyond CommUNITY204; he also serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, further advocating for accessible, compassionate care for marginalized communities.
To build something from nothing is among the most impressive feats that a human being can accomplish, and Hidalgo has done just that. For this reason, we applaud his achievements and are proud to support his mission.
