Do you know at least five neighbors by their first name? Could you comfortably ask for their help – or offer yours – in a pinch? Why is this important?
As FEMA has noted, social connection is the foundation of resilience in times of disaster. When you know and trust your neighbors, you’re more likely to help them – and seek help yourself. During emergencies, when authorities are often overwhelmed, it’s “neighbors helping neighbors” that makes the biggest immediate impact. This was evident in disasters like Hurricane Katrina, where community bonds often proved lifesaving.
Social connections
The decline in neighborly connections is part of a broader trend toward social isolation. Face-to-face interactions have dwindled significantly over the past few decades:
• Attendance at local civic meetings has dropped by 40% since the 1970s.
• Participation in clubs – like Rotary or tennis leagues – has fallen by 50%.
• Religious service attendance has declined by 35% since the 1960s.
This loss of community impacts more than just socializing. It erodes “social capital” – the trust and reciprocity built through familiar, local relationships. In a connected neighborhood, if you help or wrong someone, others will know, creating a culture of accountability. “I’ll be nice to you because you’re in the neighborhood, and you’re likely to be nice to me.”
What’s changed
Several societal shifts have contributed to this decline in community engagement:
• Work-Life Balance. Longer working hours and dual-income households leave little time for community activities.
• Generational Shifts. Younger generations often perceive traditional civic organizations as outdated or irrelevant to their priorities.
• Technology. Social media and online forums have replaced many face-to-face gatherings, offering convenience but sacrificing deeper connections.
• Individualism. A growing emphasis on self-care and personal boundaries has reduced long-term commitments to groups.
Getting to know your neighbors might not seem like a priority when you’re juggling work, errands and your social calendar. But building those connections has real payoffs. Communities where people know and care for each other are safer, happier and more resilient. Research even shows that your chances of dying over the next year are cut in half if you belong to just one group.
Start connecting
If you’re ready to break the ice, here are some simple ways to get started:
• Wave or say “Hi”: Next time you see a neighbor, just greet them.
• Use local apps: Join neighborhood groups on platforms like Nextdoor or Facebook to stay connected.
• Host a social event: Invite neighbors for coffee or organize a casual cleanup day.
• Ask for or offer small favors: Borrow a tool or offer help – small interactions build trust over time.
The emergency preparedness group Resilient Los Altos is undertaking new initiatives aimed at fostering neighborhood relationships and building community. Sign up at resilientlosaltos.org.
Evans is a member of Resilient Los Altos.
