5 Ways to Combat Loneliness in Affordable Housing

Several years ago, a popular book “Bowling Alone” posited the theory that, as America’s organized social institutions—everything from clubs to attending religious services to yes, bowling—declined, loneliness rose. And in 2025, the decline has become exacerbated by many factors including continuing health, relationship and employment challenges from the Pandemic, political polarization, mental health challenges and, for many, an overwhelming sense of not feeling “part of this country.”

As these feelings manifest themselves in social isolation, many Americans suffer physical consequences as well. The World Health Organization has declared loneliness a global health threat akin to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

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Residents of affordable housing often report feeling lonely, as many have had to relocate away from loved ones or support systems to find housing they can afford. Rates of loneliness among the elderly in affordable housing are often higher as many seniors live alone and have an increased propensity to health concerns.

There is a bright spot though for many of today’s residents of affordable housing communities. Communities providing onsite resident services have found many ways for residents to engage with others and make meaningful relationships.

Here are some good examples:

1. Meeting residents where they are

The first step for RSCs looking to provide social engagement opportunities for residents feeling isolated is to connect. These trained professionals can often easily size up a resident’s need and offer an array of ways for them to become more socially involved. For some, support through a program such as Operation Pathways’ Family-Centered Coaching will reveal an interest or passion that can lead to social activity and a new purpose.

2. Embracing volunteerism

Offering volunteer opportunities that residents can engage in onsite provides a huge boost in connecting and forming community. These include event planning, staffing the front desk, operating an onsite community pantry, etc. It has been widely reported that volunteering can help improve chronic medical conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease, while also increasing mental well-being through increased social connections.

3. Lifelong learning

NHPF affordable housing communities offer a wide array of workshops and classes for residents to take part in, everything from learning a new craft, to nutrition and cooking, to computers, technology education, and fitness classes such as yoga. While many participants often feel reluctant to start a class, they soon report elation and a feeling of belonging as well as mastery of a skill, after taking part.

4. Focusing on the strengths within the community

Everyone has strengths inside – superpowers they may have let go during hard times. Through coaching and conversation, communities often discover artists, teachers, chefs, wise elders, creative youth, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and more. When residents and support staff focus on uncovering and fostering the talents within, they make communities stronger and people more connected.

5. Listening with action to build connections

Residents in affordable housing communities often feel that their voices are not heard, and this can lead to frustration and increased isolation. Those in Resident Services know that true equity is listening and acting with honesty. When RSCs act after requesting residents’ opinions, residents gain trust and feel valued. Listening with intention to act as well as communicating when something is not possible builds the trust of the community and allows people to see they are valued.

By focusing on the communities’ strengths, listening with intention, while also seeing every resident as capable, creative, and resourceful; the foundation for connection is laid. The bonding that happens in communities when residents believe they are valued and trusted, combats the feelings of isolation and loneliness.

The true sign of an inclusive and beloved community in housing is when residents share their strengths and contribute to successful onsite living. One of the most gratifying comments a resident can impart is the feeling of “family” that is created by being a part of the community they call home.

Kevin Lewis is assistant vice president of Resident Services & deputy executive director of Operation Pathways for the NHP Foundation.