5 Ways to Help Your Neighbors

Living in a neighborhood means building beneficial connections with others around you. When you live in Rivington, you’re not just moving into a new house in DeBary, Florida. You’re gaining a whole community! The means being there for your neighbors that live around you. You want to help them. But, how? Actually, this is pretty easy to do! Consider a few of the following ideas: 

#1 Invite them over for a meal. In a time of uncertainty, a simple meal can be a huge help. Perhaps your neighbor is a senior who eats alone most nights or a busy family who’s schedule makes a sit-down meal difficult. An invitation to your home is a way to make a big step forward in relationships with your neighbors. Invite the couple next door over for dinner or ask a family with kids the same age as yours to stop by for ice cream after you all play on the playground. You can even ask more than one neighbor and set up chairs and tables outside.

#2 Put yourself out there. Your neighbors may be introverted or reserved, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need personal connections. You can be a help to them by going first in conversation. There’s a vulnerability in taking the first step. More often than not, people are just waiting for someone else to take the initiative. A blossoming friendship is a few friendly words away!

#3 Start a carpooling group. You can organize a carpooling group for taking neighborhood kids to and from school. Perhaps there are neighbors who work in the same area or building that can share rides. Everyone will save both time and money, as well as wear and tear on their vehicles.

#4 Help with anything digital or tech-related. Especially if you live in our DeBary, FL townhouses, you probably have neighbors who are senior citizens. They would be thrilled to have you help them when their Wi-Fi goes out or connect their Zoom call to see their grandkids. Aiding them with something that is probably pretty easy for you will be such a welcomed help for them.

#5 Boost their self esteem. People crave compliments from others. Aiding someone physically is only one way to help them. You can help their mental health in the same way you help them carry a box or plant flowers. A few nice words to your neighbors as simple conversation starters will go a long way. “Your children are so well behaved!” or “Your dog is so cute!” are easy to say and will make a lasting impact. The compliment will be well received and you’ve done a really nice thing for someone else. 

As you can see, this is easy to do and very beneficial to those around you. Go ahead and do one, two, or all of the things on this list! It’s not just beneficial to them. These personal relationships are beneficial to the neighborhood as a whole!