Good Neighbors Create Stronger Communities
by
the York Suburban Communities That Care Communications Committee
The value of a close neighborhood can help improve several aspects of a community, local experts say.
Victoria A. Connor, director of communications and public support for the American Red Cross York-Adams Chapter, said it is critically important for neighbors to help each other.
“The more that people help each other, the stronger and more resilient the entire community becomes,” she said. “Significant examples that highlight the ability of a community to recover in the aftermath of tragedy include the Oklahoma City bombing, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, California wild fires and other natural disasters.”
Connor said York County includes an “amazing network” of people -- with and without financial means -- who are dedicated to bettering the lives of others.
“On a daily basis, in both my work with the Red Cross and as a volunteer for other organizations, I interact with people who are helping their neighbors,” she said. “The list of the ways that I have seen neighbors help each other is almost endless. From individuals who are volunteering to assist with flu vaccinations, to people who literally give the gift of life by donating blood, to the disaster action team members that are responding to the needs of neighbors affected by disaster whenever a call for help is made ... It has been particularly inspiring when folks that are affected by disaster or trauma themselves come forward to help others.”
Connor said neighbors can help each other get food, funds, care for seniors and children in the absence of their families, and provide emotional support following the loss of a loved one or throughout an extended illness.
Jane Conover directs the community development project for YWCA York. Today, more families live far apart and neighbors are often the closest people to provide aid for each other, she said.
“Helping your neighbor creates a sense of community that can help keep a neighborhood strong and stay a desirable place to live,” Conover said.
From a policing standpoint, it’s very important for neighbors to know and look out for each other, said Springettsbury Township Chief of Police David C. Eshbach.
When neighbors see or experience something out of the ordinary, they can contact the appropriate authorities to deal with the problem, he said.
“It's a lot
easier to address a problem with a neighbor, and communication tends to be more
prevalent and successful, when the two parties involved know each other prior
to being in the middle of a situation where tensions and emotions may be
somewhat amped up,” Eshbach said. “When neighbors begin caring and looking out
for each other, it makes the police function more effective and more efficient
as the eyes and ears of the police force are multiplied exponentially.”
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York Suburban Communities That Care Alliance connects families and youth with effective resources that promote responsible decision-making and reduce destructive behaviors.
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