Getting to Know Josie Rudderham, Energize Bridgewater Program Navigator

How do you describe your work as the Energize Program Navigator?

I help people understand, access, and complete programs offered by Energize Bridgewater. The word “navigator” says it all. Government programs can be confusing. It’s sometimes hard to know where to start or what to expect. I help steer residents through all the steps from the initial paperwork through the actual upgrades and retrofits on their home.

Which Energize Bridgewater programs do you help with?

I work mainly with the Energize Bridgewater Home Upgrades program. This program helps eligible homeowners afford energy-saving improvements to their home, such as installing heat pumps or insulation. But I coordinate with many other Bridgewater programs, too. This means I can advise residents about affordable housing options, social programs, or other supports they might need.

How did you get involved in this kind of work?

I’ve been with Energize Bridgewater since 2022. Before that, I co-owned a bakery. That might seem like a big leap—bakery to energy navigator—but the core values are similar. At the bakery, we made sure our staff earned a living wage. We did not simply focus on “getting work done” but also the people doing that work.

When I moved with my family to Nova Scotia’s South Shore, I wanted to help create change for the better. I heard what Energize Bridgewater was doing and knew it was a good fit. In my role as Navigator, I look at the whole system and the whole person. It’s not just about “getting a new heat pump.” It’s about understanding people’s experiences and needs, and making the system work for them.

Can you walk us through the first steps of the Energize Bridgewater Home Upgrades program? If a resident picked up the phone and called you, what could they expect?

First, I will describe the Home Upgrades program and ask a few questions to see if you are eligible. If you are, I will outline the possible benefits and, if you like, help you fill out the application. If you don’t qualify for free home upgrades, I’ll outline any other programs you qualify for through Energize Bridgewater. I’ll also remind you that there is no obligation to complete the program. You can exit at any time—and you can re-enter the program at any time. It’s very low risk.

Do you meet residents in their home?

That’s up to the individual resident. Some people prefer to meet me in person. I actually spend a lot of time talking with people in their kitchen or living room. This helps me get to know residents’ needs and preferences and allows lots of time to answer questions.

Other residents prefer to move right to the home assessment. At this stage, members of our team visit your home to check the current energy efficiency. For example, they will look at levels of insulation and do “blower door test” to see how much air moves in and out of your house.

With this information, we write a Home Upgrades Report. This is a written summary your home-upgrade options. We discuss everything together: where a heat pump might be installed, what kind of insulation will be used, and how much of the cost can be covered by the Home Upgrades program.

It’s all about building relationships and empowering the homeowner as part of the decision-making team.

Are you still involved once work on upgrades starts?

Again, it’s up to the individual resident. I am available throughout the whole process, start to finish, whenever I’m needed. I meet weekly with our partners at Efficiency Nova Scotia and the Clean Foundation who manage the contractors that are doing the work. These meetings have been very helpful for answering questions and customizing upgrades for residents’ particular needs. Everyone is on the same page and everyone is speaking the same language.

What’s unique about your role as Energize Program Navigator?

My role is unique in that it’s “trauma-informed.” This means that when I meet people, I understand that they have a wide range of life experiences, including experiences with government programs and systems. These experiences could be good or they could be terrible. The systems may have worked for them or may have failed them. I try to understand and validate this. I can’t fix everything but I aim to work with people where they are.

What do you like most about your role as Navigator?

I love meeting people. In this job, I get to spend more time with residents than most energy programs will allow. We always find common ground and shared experiences. Time spent talking to people helps me understand their situation. It also ensures they have an active role in the process.

What are the benefits of having a Navigator?

The main benefit is for residents. They feel heard. The Home Upgrades program moves forward with their clear consent, understanding, and active participation.

But Energize Bridgewater and our partners at Efficiency Nova Scotia also benefit because they learn from what I learn. I don’t disclose private information. We have rigorous procedures to protect the privacy of residents. But if I see a problem, if I see the same issue over and over, I can inform Energize Bridgewater and our partners. That helps create change and, again, ensures residents are heard.

What advice do you have for people who are considering the Energize Bridgewater Home Upgrades program?

If you are interested in this program, or even just curious about what it can offer, I’m available to speak with you by phone, email, video-call, or in person. I’m always happy to talk. If there are barriers, such as language or accessibility, we will work to resolve them. If you have questions about whether the Home Upgrades program is for you, just reach out!