Are neighbors the key to solving the loneliness epidemic?

The story, “Neighborly Connections May Cure Loneliness” by Catherine Ho, highlights how initiatives like Meet Six Neighbors are helping San Franciscans build relationships that support health and well-being. The Chronicle visited one of CLC’s Inner Sunset Community Connectors gatherings, where older adults came together to move, meet new neighbors, and strengthen the social bonds that keep communities vibrant. The article shares how these small, local moments—saying hello, helping with a task, getting to know someone nearby—can combat loneliness as effectively as other well-known health interventions like exercise or good nutrition.

When we survey participants in our Community Connector networks, they show the power of connecting with our neighbors:

• 84% of participants know a neighbor they can ask for help
• 77% help a neighbor at least once a month
• 99% maintain or improve their health and well-being
• 100% know about resources in their community

These numbers reflect what we see every day. When neighbors build trust and connection, they create a foundation for resilience, health, and joy.