(85) PrepTalks: Daniel Homsey “Neighborfest – Building Resilience from the Block Up!”

Introduction

  • Daniel Homsey, director of the Neighborhood Empowerment Network in San Francisco.

  • Focus on providing equal opportunities for success during times of stress and shock.

  • Challenges include geographical, socioeconomic, and physical conditions.

Personal Story and Historical Context

  • Personal connection to the issue through his Aunt Dolores, who died during a 1999 heat wave.

  • Historical context of living conditions in San Francisco since the 1950s and the lack of air conditioning in homes.

  • Impact of climate change and rising temperatures on vulnerable populations.

Key Challenges Identified

  • Vulnerability of aging populations and individuals with functional needs.

  • Historical failure to respond to heat-related disasters as exemplified by Aunt Dolores's story.

Learnings and Approaches

  • Importance of local leadership and community engagement.

  • Emphasis on inclusivity and self-reliance: "It's your home, your family, your neighborhood. Own it!"

  • Adaptation to new challenges and building connections with various organizations in the community.

Neighborhood Empowerment Network (NEN)

  • Overview of the NEN as a cross-sector collaboration.

  • Focus on planning and designing community initiatives with residents.

  • Strategies include the recognition of local leadership and ensuring that initiatives are scalable and sustainable.

HUB Concept

  • Creation of a HUB: a network centered around an Anchor Institution that is trusted by the community.

  • Identification of neighborhood organizations and building partnerships with them.

  • Introduction of Block Champions to connect with isolated community members during times of calamity.

Block Champion Program

  • Block Champions are designated individuals who assist neighbors, particularly those vulnerable during disasters.

  • Their roles include providing care and shelter, coordinating resources, and serving as a bridge to first responders.

  • Example: Clara's initiative of setting up a Block Support Center for localized support.

Neighborfest Program

  • Overview of Neighborfest, promoting community connections through block parties.

  • Focus on strengthening social cohesion and community preparedness in engaging and fun ways.

  • Importance of knowing your neighbors to create a supportive environment.

Benefits and Engagement Strategies

  • Using local block parties to boost preparedness efforts and community engagement.

  • Culturally relevant outreach to understand distinct community needs and build trust.

  • Highlighting the necessity of developing relationships with emergency first responders before disasters occur.

Practical Tools and Resources

  • Providing disaster supply bins to neighborhoods with essentials for emergency situations.

  • Introduction of tools to identify resource locations within neighborhoods through activities like Map Your Resilientville exercises.

Successes and Challenges

  • Growing success of Neighborfest: increasing number of events each year.

  • Emphasis on community ownership and leadership in disaster preparedness initiatives.

  • Need for collective community engagement to address issues effectively with local government.

Conclusion

  • Reinforcement of the connection between neighborly relationships and resilience during disasters.

  • Continuing to motivate communities to engage in meaningful preparation by making it a fun and inclusive activity.

  • Encouragement for community members to visit Neighborfest.org for resources and support in organizing block parties.