Climate Action and Sustainability

Neighbor-to-Neighbor

The City of Long Beach was awarded a $500,000 grant from the State of California, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, for Neighbor-to-Neighbor, a program of California Volunteers, Office of the Governor.

Neighbor-to-Neighbor is a California Volunteers Network Program designed to help strengthen communities by bringing neighbors together to engage locally. Our mission is to foster connection and build communities that come together and address local needs through activities such as taking climate action.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of local networks in enhancing community resilience. Strong social ties, especially among neighbors, help communities overcome crises. The Neighbor-to-Neighbor program provides the support needed for local initiatives aimed to strengthen social connections post-pandemic.

Neighbor-to-Neighbor aims to mitigate community isolation, increase volunteer participation, and improve social connectedness in neighborhoods, specifically engaging neighborhoods across West and Central Long Beach. Some goals of the program include the following:

• Conduct neighborhood surveys and host workshops to set priorities and plan projects within the grant scope.

• Host 50 total events across all target neighborhoods.

• Complete eligible projects: 

  • Community engagement events, such as movies in the park and block parties

  • Climate action or disaster preparedness activities, such as community tree planting events and community science events

  • And other events!

• Complete a final neighborhood survey/case study.

To explore statewide events and access resources visit CANeighbors.com.

Take the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Survey!

How connected do you feel to your neighbors? What community events and projects do you want to see in your neighborhood through Neighbor-to-Neighbor? Take our survey to help direct grant funds! The survey will run through September 16, 2024.

Meet 6 Pledge

The 2023 US Surgeon General's Advisory - Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - highlighted the increase in loneliness and social isolation and its severe health consequences. Approximately half of the U.S. population reports feeling lonely, with the highest rates among young adults. Health risks of loneliness are comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, with impacts including premature death, heart disease, and a variety of mental and physical health issues. The advisory emphasizes the importance of social connection programs in mending the social fabric of our nation and world.

Every Californian is a neighbor, and when neighbors know each other, communities thrive. Knowing six neighbors maximizes well-being and supports civic engagement, trust, disaster resiliency, and economic prosperity in communities.

Take the pledge to #Meet6Neighbors today!

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