Neighbor-to-Neighbor Initiative

Loneliness, isolation, and concerns about physical safety are major issues affecting older adults. One of the main goals of the San Mateo Age Friendly Coalition is to help older San Mateo residents to improve the safety of their neighborhoods and their feelings of connectedness, and to encourage their active participation in the community.

This is why the Age Friendly Coalition decided to promote and support local efforts to form small neighborhood groups that periodically get together to strengthen community connections, provide support, and keep a watchful eye out for each other.

The San Mateo Neighbor to Neighbor project is a valuable tool in achieving these goals. The San Mateo Age Friendly Coalition is working with the San Mateo Police Department and its Neighborhood Watch program, the Parks and Recreation Department, Villages of San Mateo County and a group of dedicated volunteers to build stronger neighborhoods and closer connections among the residents of San Mateo.

Please consider joining our efforts by starting a Neighbor-to-Neighbor Block and/or assisting with our city-wide campaign.
Email agefriendlysanmateo@gmail.com and let us know about your interest in this project.

Background: The state-wide Neighbor to Neighbor initiative was launched in 2024 by California Volunteers, the Office of the Governor tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service. California Volunteers partnered with several cities across the state to create resident-led community events at which neighbors can come together to address local needs and to build connections. San Francisco, San Jose, Richmond and Burlingame, among others, are currently running Neighbor to Neighbor programs. https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/neighbor-to-neighbor/.

As the Governor’s office noted, more than half of Americans say they feel disconnected from their communities and don’t know their neighbors. One-in-two U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness. According to the former U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, loneliness and isolation are associated with severe health risks. Closer social connections among neighbors are an effective way to address these issues and build a stronger community.
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf.

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