Getting to know Ghazaleh Akbarnejad
We recently sat down with Ghazaleh over Zoom to chat about her work with the Collective and her experiences with liminal spaces and architecture.
Vancouver
Getting to know Lainey Martin
A Hey Neighbour Collective research assistant tells us about the joy and importance of getting to know your neighbours.
What we’re following: great reads, resources, new tech and more.
A short list of articles and studies on issues like social connectedness, climate change, housing, and aging.
A Picture is Worth 1000 Words: A photovoice exploration into social connections at home
The SFU Research team recently completed “A Picture is Worth 1000 Words”, a Photovoice project which explores people’s experiences of social connection and isolation.
Partner snapshot: Concert Properties
As part of a comprehensive company-wide approach to social sustainability, building on their experience in the City of Vancouver’s original Hey Neighbour Pilot Project, Concert has hired a dedicated Social Sustainability Coordinator.
Partner snapshot: West End Seniors’ Network
The West End Seniors’ Network focuses on supporting older adults living in multi-unit residential buildings through their Close to Home initiative.
Partner snapshot: Catalyst Community Developments
Catalyst is carrying out a “Community Connections Pilot” which includes landlord-led or supported social events, workshops, and “Town Hall meetings”, as well as support for resident-led community building initiatives. In addition, they have set up communication systems to support community interaction, and are actively working with tenants to identify opportunities to maximize the social potential of the physical design of their buildings and properties.
Partner snapshot: Brightside Community Homes Foundation
Brightside carries out an annual community enhancement survey to assess residents’ happiness and well-being. Based on this, they are supporting a number of Community Development initiatives designed to build resilience and community amongst residents.
Exploring sociability within residential buildings
The pilot aimed to Increase a sense of community amongst residents within their buildings, decrease the frequency and intensity of loneliness among residents, support participating buildings to feel like home, and not just a temporary place of residence, and more.