How To Give Back to Your Community

Community connection is an essential part of our overall health and well-being. And yet, it’s in danger. Experts agree that loneliness and isolation are some of the biggest challenges facing Americans today—not to mention among the most dangerous to our physical and mental health. 

There are a lot of reasons for our growing disconnection: the rise of digital culture, for one. The mandatory social isolation policies of the COVID-19 pandemic certainly didn’t help either. Whatever the reason for our growing collective loneliness, it’s something that is within our power to change. Giving back to your community through volunteering or community service is one of the best ways to not only connect with the people around you, but also make a positive difference in the world. Here are a few easy ways you can do so:

• Volunteer. Giving your time and energy to a good cause is a great way to improve your surroundings and connect with others. Plus, research shows that volunteers benefit from their efforts too: in addition to helping people stay physically healthier, volunteering has been known to provide a sense of purpose and strengthen community ties.
  
  If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities in Central Florida, consider contacting NVHS! We are always looking for community members interested in helping with outreach and events.

• Donate Goods or Money. Making a difference in the world doesn’t have to mean committing hours of your week—for many people, that’s simply not feasible. Instead, consider donating money or goods to support local nonprofits and charities. It requires a fraction of the time, and can still make a huge impact on your community.
  
  Not sure what to donate? NVHS maintains a needs list of goods that we distribute to the homeless individuals we serve.

• Practice Acts of Kindness. Kindness doesn’t need to be elaborate—it can be something as simple as holding the door for a stranger or picking up a few pieces of trash in your neighborhood on your evening walk. Kindness is infectious, and we could all use a little more of these days. 

National Veterans Homeless Support seeks to eliminate homelessness among veterans in Central Florida and nationwide. NVHS takes a proactive, intervention-based approach to homelessness by meeting homeless veterans where they are and helping them from there. Through programs like Search and Rescue Outreach, NVHS helps homeless veterans get the supplies they need to survive, connects them with support and resources, and helps them transition off the streets and into temporary or permanent housing. If you’re able, consider supporting our mission by donating or signing on as a volunteer.