Building Community one Building at a Time: Hey Neighbour Collective's Multi-Unit Housing Programs

In densely populated cities like Vancouver, where a significant portion of residents live in multi-unit housing such as apartments and condominiums, many individuals experience loneliness and a lack of community connection despite living in close proximity. The Hey Neighbour Collective was established to explore innovative ways to foster social connectedness within these living spaces, recognizing that multi-unit housing offers a unique opportunity to intervene and create strong, supportive communities. By focusing on resident engagement activities such as community dinners, workshops, and social gatherings, the Collective encourages interactions among neighbours, helping to build a sense of belonging and mutual support.

The Collective also develops peer-to-peer support networks where residents can assist each other with everyday tasks, from grocery shopping to pet care, further fostering a culture of cooperation and shared resources. By offering community leadership training, the initiative empowers residents to lead their own community-building activities, strengthening the social fabric within these living spaces. Collaborations with housing providers enhance shared spaces like gardens and rooftop patios, creating environments that naturally promote social interaction and neighborly bonds.

Intervening at the multi-unit housing level allows for scalable, impactful change that directly addresses the isolation and disconnection often felt in urban settings. By working with housing providers, academic institutions, and government agencies, the Hey Neighbour Collective leverages the inherent proximity of multi-unit housing to facilitate meaningful social connections and support systems. Residents involved in these programs report a stronger sense of community and improved mental health due to the positive social interactions fostered within their living environments. Interventions at this level not only create more connected and resilient communities but also have lasting benefits for the overall well-being of the residents, making multi-unit housing an ideal focus for fostering social connection.