In many locations across the world, neighbourhood support networks are being established to help those who are experiencing financial and housing precarity during the COVID-19 pandemic. West Neighbourhood House, for example, is partnering up with other agencies to organize mutual aid as a way for neighbours to support neighbours in Toronto.
The neighbourhood support network is working with "neighbourhood pods" which are a group of five to 30 neighbours from the same area. Pods can be text message groups, group chats, or even phone trees. These pods are independent and organize their work themselves, but West Neighbourhood House helps them get established and supports them throughout the process when needed. Each pod has a leader who is a volunteer who helps organize and coordinate their pod and its work.
Image Credit: West Neighbourhood House/ @nicoleMcomix
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Neighbourhood Support Networks
- Opportunity for businesses to develop platforms that connect neighbors to provide mutual aid and support during times of crisis.
- Mutual Aid
- Potential for innovative services and tools that facilitate the organization and coordination of mutual aid initiatives within local communities.
- Community Collaboration
- Room for businesses to create platforms or tools that foster collaboration and support among neighbors for a variety of needs.
Where This Applies
- Technology
- Disruptive innovation opportunity for tech companies to create user-friendly digital platforms that enable efficient communication and coordination within neighbourhood support networks.
- Hospitality
- Opportunity for hotels and accommodations to repurpose their facilities to provide temporary housing for individuals experiencing housing precarity within neighbourhood support networks.
- Social Services
- Room for social service organizations to leverage neighbourhood support networks as a way to connect individuals in need with available resources and support.
