Three neighbors thinking about their neighbors.
Jennifer Jacobs
Early on I thought, “Oh no, this is going to be bad.” I had this sense that there would be incredible isolation and worried about people who might not connect to the typical resources and “safety-net” organizations. My initial idea was to find a way for my immediate neighborhood to support each other. But then I talked to Angela and Erin we quickly realized we all wanted to do the same thing and in different parts of town. It was a short step to move from organizing in my immediate vicinity to organizing town-wide so neighbors can help neighbors.
(jennifer at adaptivahr.com)
Erin Maile O’Keefe
All my work gigs evaporated in mid-March, and a little but insistent voice inside me asked, “how can I help neighbors connect to one another and make sure no one falls through the cracks?” In my work as an artist, educator and community organizer, I witness the beauty of human nature and know that we support one another in times of crises and urgency. I knew all that was needed now was to support the organic emergence of neighbor to neighbor connections. I am grateful to have listened to that calling and to have found that Jenn and Angela heard it, too.
(maile at humanconnectionproject.com)
Angela Earle Gray
I am fortunate enough to be a member of many communities where the expectation is that when anyone has a need someone who has the resources (be they time, money, or knowledge) will step up and assist. Watching this play out for decades, I recognize that these types of interactions have value to both the giver and recipient. I truly believe people want to be helping and supporting their neighbors, but frequently don’t know how. It has been an honor to play a small role in establishing a system to facilitate connections.
(angela at adaptivahr.com)