Homelessness Action Week 2025 – 10 Ways to Be a Good Neighbour Community Challenge
Why Belonging Matters
Belonging is what makes a community more than just a place; it’s what makes it home. It’s the sense of being valued, included, and able to contribute. When people belong, communities are stronger, more resilient, and better able to face challenges together.
But belonging is under threat. In 1986, nearly half of Canadians (47.9%) saw friends on a daily basis. By 2022, the number dropped to one in five (19.3%). Even for those who did connect, the average time spent together declined from 5.0 hours to just 3.8 hours.* Too many people feel disconnected and excluded, weakening the social fabric and leaving communities less connected.
The good news? Belonging can be built.
For Homelessness Action Week 2025, October 11 – 18, 2025 the WYBMN we are challenging the community to be a good neighbour and participate in the “10 Ways to Be a Good Neighbour” community challenge.
Take the Challenge from October 11 – 18, 2025, and let us know how it went! You will be entered into a contest for prizes if you complete 3 or more!
Enter the contest here.
10 Ways to Be a Good Neighbour Community Challenge
1. Say hello – Introduce yourself or check in.
2. Be kind – Offer a smile or friendly gesture.
3. Lend a hand – Help out or give your time.
4. Share something – Food, a craft, garden goodies, etc.
5. Give a compliment – Let others know you appreciate them.
6. Learn & share – Discover something about local issues or events and talk about it with a neighbour.
7. Support local – Shop at neighbourhood businesses and recommend them.
8. Listen – Take time to hear someone’s story or perspective.
9. Join in – Be part of a clean-up, mural, or neighbourhood project.
10. Speak positively – Share the good things about your neighbourhood.
Past events have included Laughter Yoga at Pier Park in August 2024, a Community Café at Waves during Homelessness Action Week in October 2024, and a Belonging Open Mic at Moodswing Coffee + Bar. A community survey on belonging was also completed in the fall of 2024. We were thrilled that 102 people completed the survey and 61.5% expressed interest in getting involved!
Everyone listening intently to local resident and Yogi Helen Spencer before the laugher began!
New West Record article “Will You Be My Neighbour aims to spark relationship-building in New West”
NWHCS board chair Jack York, Mark Boardman from minivillage, and part of the WYBMN team Angelene, Cristina, Betina and Lola.
What’s On the Horizon for Will You Be My Neighbour?
In the new year, we will continue to reach out to the community to engage them in the project.
Want to get involved. Reach out to the team.
The WYBMN project is being undertaken as a communication, engagement and involvement strategy connected to the CNW Homelessness Action Strategy, and supports the CNW Community Belonging and Connecting priority.
