CONNECTION IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
Whether you are navigating chronic loneliness or social isolation yourself, supporting someone who is, or looking to build more connection in your community, these resources are a starting point.
I want to…
BUILD COMMUNITY
FIND YOUR PEOPLE
Looking to get more connected to your community, but not sure where to start? Good news: You don’t need a plan. You don’t need more time. One small action can shift your day and someone else’s. Here are some ways to start:
IF YOU FEEL LONELY
1. START WITH WHAT FEELS EASY
Smile at a stranger
Talk with the checkout clerk
Make eye contact and say hello to someone you’d normally pass by
Put your phone down during one conversation today
Ask someone how they’re really doing, and listen
2. REACH OUT
Text or call someone you’ve been thinking about
Reconnect with a friend you lost touch with
Send a quick note, voice memo, or even a postcard to a friend
3. SHOW UP
Join a sports team, workout group, class, or local event
Volunteer your time, even for an hour
Sit at the communal table instead of alone
IF YOU WANT TO HELP SOMEONE WHO FEELS LONELY
Invite one person for coffee
Take a walk with a friend
Ask a neighbor to join you for something simple
Bring someone into something you’re already doing (like dinner or a movie)
Host a group for dinner or game night
1. CREATE A MOMENT
2. MAKE A HABIT
Text one person each night just to check in (make it a nightly ritual)
Build a weekly ritual (walk, call, coffee)
Be the one who follows up
IF YOU WANT TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY
Belonging begins with showing up. The organizations below bring people together around shared purpose, interest, and service. Whether you’re looking for something new or for somewhere to start, there’s a place here for you.
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THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Red Cross volunteers and staff work to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping you be prepared to respond in emergencies.
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BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF AMERICA
The Boys & Girls Club provides a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters their doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.
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FEEDING AMERICA
Feeding America is a nationwide network of food banks and pantries on a mission to create a future where everyone thrives. They make healthy food easier to access, help families feel financially secure, and support laws that make food available to everyone.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Families partner with Habitat for Humanity in the U.S. and around the world to build better lives for themselves and their children. Learn more about the types of work Habitat for Humanity does to build a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
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HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS
Are you an animal lover? There are many ways to connect with Humane World for Animals (formerly The Humane Society of the United States) as a volunteer—from helping animals at our care centers, to serving with their rescue and response teams, to organizing events and grassroots outreach in your community, and more.
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IDEALIST
Tens of thousands of opportunities are available through this online network every day. Even if you already volunteer, chances are you'll find opportunities that you didn't know existed. Want to feed the hungry? Tutor kids? Deliver medicine to seniors? Idealist helps you find a great place to volunteer!
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LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL
For over 100 years, Lions have served with uncommon kindness, putting the needs of our neighbors, our communities and our world first. Lions and Leos members are serving a world in need together.
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MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
As a national leadership organization, Meals on Wheels America is working to End the Wait™ for seniors. For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels has remained the most effective solution to address senior hunger and isolation.
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MEETUP
Getting together with real people in real life makes powerful things happen. Side hustles become careers, ideas become movements, and chance encounters become lifelong connections. Meetup brings people together to create thriving communities.
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YMCA
For 175 years, the Y has been a place where meaningful connections help build stronger communities. With locations in more than 10,000 neighborhoods across the country, they’re part of everyday life, helping people work toward their goals, build relationships, and discover a true sense of belonging. No matter where you are, there’s a place for you.
MENTAL HEALTH, ADDICTION, AND EMOTIONAL CRISIS SUPPORT
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
Chronic loneliness and social isolation can intensify feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, or emotional pain, and in some cases may be linked to mental health or substance use challenges. The resources below are here for anyone who may be struggling.
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988 LIFELINE
The 988 Lifeline can help prevent suicide. It provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
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THE JED FOUNDATION
Transitioning into adulthood can bring big changes and intense challenges. The Jed Foundation (JED) empowers teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults.
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RAINN
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and operator of the National Sexual Assault Hotline. They are changing the way the nation thinks about and responds to sexual violence by expanding prevention, ensuring justice, and providing healing to create safer communities.
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THE TREVOR PROJECT
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
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ALCHOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.
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GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
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NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community-based organization with a multilingual and multicultural membership. NA was founded in 1953, and members hold nearly 67,000 meetings weekly in 139 countries today.
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OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
Overeaters Anonymous Is a community of people who support one another in recovering from unhealthy relationships with food. They offer thousands of meetings, around the world and online, at no cost for attendees.
CRISIS RESOURCES
If you or someone you know is in crisis and at risk of immediate danger, please take one of the following actions:
Call 9-1-1
Text START to 741-741
Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
Contact your mental health professional