Initiatives
Community UnLonely
No one is immune to loneliness. It has reached epidemic proportions that affect both rural and urban areas and it impacts people across all walks of life. From veterans to LGBTQ youth and caregivers to those suffering from a chronic-disease, all groups and identities can and do suffer from loneliness.
Now, with the urgent need to socially distance due to the pandemic, anxiety and limited human contact increases the prevalence of loneliness more than ever before. The Community UnLonely initiative pulls people and partners together, especially during this time of crisis, to provide programs that create social connections and improve well-being.
Initiatives
Community UnLonely
No one is immune to loneliness. The loneliness epidemic affects both rural and urban areas and it impacts people across all walks of life. From veterans to LGBTQ youth and caregivers to those suffering from a chronic-disease, all groups and identities can and do suffer from loneliness. Now, with the urgent need to socially distance due to the pandemic, anxiety and limited human contact increases the prevalence of loneliness more than ever before and worsens vulnerable populations’ perceived ability to combat isolation. The Community UnLonely initiative pulls communities together, especially during this time of crisis, and provides programs that create social connections and improve well-being.
Public Health Challenge
The loneliness epidemic affects each community differently. Groups of people that are most at risk for loneliness include individuals facing chronic illnesses, physical challenges, or addiction, as well as caregivers, veterans, immigrants, and those representing a minority background.
Short Film of Community UnLonely
Through our UnLonely Film Festival, we collect short films to represent the lived experiences of loneliness in America.
Prevalence
3 in 5 American adults reported in 2020 that they are lonely, representing a 7% increase from 2018 (Cigna).
LGBTQ Youth
Within a span of two weeks, 68% of LGBTQ youth in the U.S. reported symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (The Trevor Project).
U.S. Veterans
U.S. veterans diagnosed with a serious mental illness who had either planned or attempted suicide reported feeling lonely and isolated prior to either planning or attempting suicide (Journal of Affective Disorders)
First Generation Imigrants
“First-generation immigrants experience stressors that can increase their social isolation, such as language barriers, differences in community, family dynamics, and new relationships that lack depth or history” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Program Solutions
No one should fight loneliness alone. Our evidence-based approach utilizes digital platforms to provide community-based organizations with direct access to materials that help build successful creative expression programs. Places of worship, community centers, libraries, municipal governments, and local businesses are terrific sources to build bridges and strengthen community health.
Inspire Creativity
Art can be a tool to develop a sense of self and your surroundings. Our programs lead to further reflection and can be a route for people to better understand themselves and others.
Build Community
The arts bring people together to share through multiple formats, which offers a deep and personal way to build meaningful and lasting relationships with your neighbors.
Foster Belonging
The authenticity shared through creative expression is powerful in developing a sense of social connection with others.
Our Partners and Progress
Our Sponsors
The generous support of contributing organizations helps to scale the growth of this initiative and increase the impact we’re able to make on both national and local levels.
Our Community Partners
Community-based partners have played a pivotal role in supporting the health of their communities by working with us to develop program offerings.
Join Us
Explore Our Programs
Read about our evidence-based programs that support this initiative by building community health and well-being across neighborhoods.
Sponsor this Initiative
Join us and our current sponsors to help expand this important work and increase the impact we are able to deliver across communities.