The news about COVID 19 is grim—but there’s also some light to be found in the darkness. Consumers from across the nation are sharing stories about how the current crisis has transformed neighborhoods into communities, and strangers into friends.
COMMUNITIES ARE PITCHING IN TO HELP THE VULNERABLE
Everywhere, people are checking in on their elderly or high-risk neighbors to make sure they’re okay. Neighbors are picking up supplies for people in need and sewing masks for hospitals, while organizations are donating resources and unused space.
“People are helping neighbors. If they make a market trip, they check on what other people need. If they see something special, they call and check if you want some.” (Boomer, male)
“I saw signs of community that were uplifting. Neighbors offering to shop for one another, helping with car maintenance, gas station runs, just showing concern for others during this time.” (Gen X, female)
“My church is using its building and grounds to help with blood drives and getting groceries delivered to shut ins and older members of the congregation who need to be isolated. There are several houses in the neighborhood that have found a way to help out by making masks for medical workers. People are just looking for ways to help out.” (Gen X, male)
“There is a feeling that we ARE all in this together. People seem a little faster to smile or wave. Businesses are being very generous in donating to first responders and providing delivery.” (Boomer, female)
WE’RE FINDING CREATIVE WAYS TO CONNECT
We are craving connection and getting more creative about it. In addition to the videocalls that have quickly become indispensable, people are finding fun, safe ways to let others know they’re not alone, like neighborhood scavenger hunts and “drive by” social calls.
“There have been some scavenger hunts with the kids looking for items people have been taping to windows. And teachers drove by the other day, showing their support to the kids.” (Gen X, male)
“In my area people are putting teddy bears in their front windows and taking kids for rides, calling them bear hunts!” (Gen X, female)
WE’RE MEETING OUR NEIGHBORS (FROM A SAFE DISTANCE)
The single biggest change we’re hearing about is that everyone is getting outside and taking walks around their neighborhoods. People are keeping a safe distance from each other, but the mood on the sidewalks is friendly and upbeat. We’re happy to see other faces; we smile, wave, and strike up conversations. Many of us are meeting our neighbors for the first time in communities we’ve lived in for years. There’s joy in these moments of human connection, and a great sense of being “in this together.” The big takeaway? We’re discovering that people are better, kinder, and more generous than we knew.
“I actually have some cool neighbors. They’re friendly, unique and are all around good people. Always offering help now in this state of emergency.” (Gen X, female)
“Neighbors are friendly. They wave and say hello. Before everyone was busy with their jobs and lives. But now neighbors notice one another. I hope the walking around the neighborhood trend keeps up after because I really enjoy it. I will keep it up. People are a lot nicer than I thought they were.” (Boomer, female)
Stay tuned for future updates, where we explore more about the impact of COVID 19 on everyday life. If there’s anything you’re curious about, get in touch now—we have a few open spots remaining for free questions.