We’re excited to see the work of neighbors and community connectors featured in the San Francisco Chronicle’s coverage of social health and connection.
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.
Celebrating the People Who Make It Happen
We’re deeply grateful to the dedicated CLC staff who make these gatherings warm and welcoming and to our partners at DAS/HSA, UCSF Northern CA Coalition for Social Connection, and CA Volunteers for their contribution to this program. While they didn’t make it into the article, we also want to thank Anne from OnLok/Always Active, who led movement activities that set a joyful tone for the day. And our deep gratitute for D7’s Supervisor Melgar for her support in helping sustain our Community Connector program activities as CA Volunteers state funding winds down. While not every detail made it into the article, their contributions are a big part of what made the day a success.
Why Connection Matters
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.
Get Involved
CLC Community Connectors continues to bring people together across San Francisco. Whether you join a gathering, volunteer, pledge to meet 6 neighbors, or simply say hello to a neighbor, every action matters.