With a big push for staying in place and working from home, neighborhoods are coming together to support families. You may have noticed more people taking walks or playing with their kids in their yards. Yet as tighter restrictions are put in place to help slow the spread of the virus, it can create hardships. Now is the time for neighbors to help one another out and be compassionate.
Here are a few ways that you can support your community while still practicing safe social distancing and doing your best to stay healthy:
- Check in on one another.
Call or email your neighbors to see if there is anything they need. If you know that the couple next door is older and may be worried about exposure if they go to the grocery store, see if there is anything you can pick up for them and drop off at their door. Just remember to wash your hands and wipe down any items you leave to help reduce risk of spreading the virus. The same applies to families that may have members who are immunocompromised, or who have small children. Even if they don’t need anything right now, keep checking in and letting them know they are not alone.
- Leave inspiring messages.
Give your children some chalk and let them draw pictures and write positive messages on the sidewalk or driveway. With more people taking walks to get exercise and fresh air, this can make them smile. You could also make pictures to hang in the windows. Some neighborhoods are arranging scavenger hunts where families look for certain items while out walking, so that could be something to participate in as well.
- Send cards.
Feeling creative? Make homemade cards or write letters to drop off in your neighbors’ mailboxes. You can also send cards to local nursing homes or assisted living facilities for distribution to residents there. A kind message or thoughtful drawing can go a long way.
- Offer your help.
Consider mowing the lawn for someone who has their hands full with children and working from home, or for older neighbors. There may also be homeowners who usually have a lawn service and don’t have equipment of their own, and their lawn may not be getting mowed as often as usual. Step up and see if you can lend a hand.
- Chat online.
Stay in touch by using online conference or video chat services. Let your kids have virtual playdates with their friends to keep entertained for a bit. It’s also a great way to check in on others from a safe distance and boost their mood as well as your own.
- Be understanding.
Everyone is adapting and trying to find a new normal. Try to take everything in stride. You may hear more kids outside playing in their yards, or music from open windows. Yards may not be as perfectly maintained. It could take longer for deliveries to arrive or service providers to respond to requests. Recognize that everyone is doing their best.
Kuester continues to provide support to HOAs remotely during this time in order to help them keep running as smoothly as possible. Contact your community manager with any questions or concerns so that you can work together to find a solution. During these challenging times, be smart, be safe, and be kind to one another.
