We work with local leaders to strengthen social connectedness within their communities through strategies that build relationships between neighbors, improve trust, and foster an overall sense of community and belonging.
In recent decades, people in the United States and around the world have experienced soaring rates of social isolation, with profound impacts on health and well-being.
The good news is that strong social connections can boost a person's lifespan by 50%.
Through community-led change, we can reshape our neighborhoods to make it easier for people to build meaningful social connections.
Healthy Places by Design works with local leaders to bake social connection into their community, focusing on opportunities within five areas:
Here are just a few of the places we're working:
Our foundational report Socially Connected Communities: Solutions for Social Isolation offers five recommendations for creating socially connected communities, starting with public spaces, transportation, and housing.
Action Guide for Philanthropic Leaders
Action Guide for Local Government and Community Leaders
Healthy Places by Design hosts a learning network that brings together local government, community, and philanthropic leaders to explore concepts, ideas, and community-level strategies that reduce social isolation and strengthen social ties, especially for those who are most marginalized. This learning network began in 2020 and the format and topics evolve each year. Please click “Join the Network” to learn more about the current learning network.
More Great Examples of Committed Leaders Addressing Social Isolation
From Honolulu to NYC, Intergenerational Strategies Are Tackling Social Isolation
Measuring Social Connectedness in Communities
Three Ways Public Libraries Support Socially Connected Communities
Our Shared Humanity Is the Foundation for Cohesive, Resilient, and Equitable Communities
Creating Global Strategies for Social Connections: A Conversation with Edward Garcia
Prioritize Social Connections in Transportation Systems
Supportive Housing Environments Build Community
Design Inclusive Public Spaces to Strengthen Social Connections
Socially Connected Communities: Solutions to Social Isolation
Niagara Falls is Creating Health Through Social Connection and Trust
Social Connection in the Time of COVID-19
TACKLING SOCIAL ISOLATION AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, APOLITICAL, FALL 2022
AS SOCIAL ISOLATION SPREADS, WHAT CAN PHILANTHROPY DO?, INSIDE PHILANTHROPY, FALL 2022
A SENSE OF BELONGING, STANFORD SOCIAL INNOVATION REVIEW, SUMMER 2022
THERE'S A SOCIAL ISOLATION EPIDEMIC. BUT IT CAN BE FIXED. OP-ED IN THE HILL, JANUARY 2022