How to Be a Supportive Neighbor During Uncertain Times
Recently I saw a temporary “StoryWalk” at a park. While walking around, there were multiple displays of pages from a 2021 picture book: Thank You, Neighbor by Ruth Chan.
The pages featured multiple examples of giving gratitude towards neighbors and communities.
Temporary installations such as this StoryWalk, through the Silicon Valley Reads engagement program, show a wonderful opportunity to bring neighbors and communities together.
How to be Supportive During Times of Isolation
Links between isolation and negative impacts on mental health (e.g., higher presence of depressive symptoms and heightened anxiety) have been studied. Ravi Shankar notes that “Recognition of loneliness and social isolation is of paramount significance so that interventions can be done to prevent further deterioration of physical and mental health and decrease morbidity and mortality.”
The Hopeful Neighborhood Project has curated helpful guides for engaging with our neighbors. The organization currently manages the annual “National Good Neighbor Day” campaign. The focus of Good Neighbor Day encourages people to meet their neighbors in order to build and foster connections, and decrease the “epidemic of loneliness.” Although the designated annual date is September 28th, the work to bridging connections goes beyond a singular day.
Here are a few other tips for maintaining a supportive attitude for our neighbors:
Introduce yourself when you see a new neighbor or a new classmate in school. Welcome them to the community!
Request your neighbor’s contact info - this will especially come in handy in the case of emergencies.
Locate an optimal location for a community board for posting important information.
Utilize community pages or groups on social media, such as Facebook or Nextdoor.
“We know that when neighbors start talking, communities get stronger. These connections, from everyday updates to unexpected moments, are what help turn a location into a place you love to be. This is how we help ensure that for our neighbors, here… becomes home.” (Nextdoor)
Start a buy nothing group and practice generosity with finding people to take home items you no longer need.
Start a Little Free Library.
Keep up-to-date with news and resources from your city or county’s local governments (e.g., search for your city’s government, such as San Diego’s website, or San Francisco’s website). These websites can be useful tools for finding a variety of services, including for homelessness, available recreational activities, and community plans. Staying informed will help you know what types of resources to share with your neighbors.
Volunteer with local community organizations: this helps you to meet others, and to foster connections with people and bond over fulfilling activities.
How to be Supportive In Times of Crisis and Uncertain Situations
There are a multitude of events affecting the state of mental health in our communities, which may impact those around you. Providing relief and support makes a major impact.
It is encouraged to learn more about the different ways that you or your neighbors may be affected by times of uncertainty. Change.org, a platform for creating petitions, lists some of the biggest social problems in the US, including: cost of living, health care access, discrimination, immigration raids, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Here are a few more tips and resources:
Stay informed about what’s happening in the news in your local city or county.
Reach out and check in with your neighbors to check if they are okay.
Donate supplies, such as food, clothes, or other essentials.
Start or join in on a petition addressing the issue at hand.
Read ACLU’s article on “Know Your Immigrants’ Rights,” regardless of immigration status.
Read about California Volunteers network “Neighbor-To-Neigbor.”
Whether you live in a suburban area, an apartment complex, or even a dorm at a college, connecting with your neighbors is crucial. In moments of isolation, crisis, or uncertain times, staying informed and showing acts of kindness can make some of the greatest differences in supporting your community.
