Community in housing associations: a pillar of well-being for properties and residents, even in challenging times
Fostering a sense of community in housing associations yields benefits that extend into both everyday living and property maintenance. Community spirit can be nurtured through modern resident communication platforms and by encouraging residents to engage in shared activities.
Traditionally, communication in housing associations has focused primarily on mandatory matters, such as rules, regulations, and schedules. The lack of broader communication may stem from the associated costs, outdated methods, or simply a lack of consideration or planning.
What is community spirit?
Community spirit manifests as close cooperation among neighbors in daily tasks and care for those in need. While everyone is entitled to their own space and privacy, a strong community creates a safe environment where residents feel a sense of belonging.
The old Finnish saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” captures the essence of this spirit. This cooperative and safe model is also well-suited to housing associations. In today’s world, where loneliness is a growing concern, it’s heartening to think that everyone could feel part of their residential community. Many housing associations have common spaces that can bring residents together and foster a sense of belonging through activities like coffee breaks, cooking, gaming clubs, or communal cleaning events.
Joint efforts in home maintenance and care
Working together provides opportunities to share essential knowledge about home maintenance — for example, reminders about cleaning grease filters or floor drains. Hearing how neighbors care for their homes can inspire others to follow, making the tasks feel more achievable. Even mundane maintenance chores become more enjoyable when tackled as a group.
Active participation from residents also supports the health of the building itself. When neighbors are familiar with each other, even the more reserved individuals may feel comfortable asking for help or reporting issues, allowing problems to be addressed promptly.
Involving children in the community
Children can easily be included through tailored communication. Digital platforms can host activities like drawing or crafting competitions, which require little effort to organize but bring significant engagement. These activities also work for all ages, drawing more people into the community — including new generations. Some housing associations have organized gingerbread house competitions and other creative activities. When children are actively considered, it often becomes easier to encourage parents to participate in housing association events.
Supporting circular and sharing economies
Digital platforms can also support initiatives like flea markets or food-sharing systems, promoting collaboration while reducing waste and encouraging eco-friendly practices. Exchanging, donating, or selling items among neighbors builds trust and fosters connections while promoting sustainability.
Expanding communication possibilities with digital tools
In the past, communication within housing associations was often limited by the effort and cost involved. Fortunately, digital tools now offer diverse possibilities to engage and involve residents. With these platforms, communication is not restricted to the essentials — in fact, the more you communicate, the better the return on investment. This creates opportunities to share news, organize events, and build a stronger sense of community.
A supportive and safe housing association
During extraordinary circumstances, such as pandemics or other crises, a sense of community becomes an invaluable resource. In such moments, a housing association can function like a small village, where neighbors help and support one another. Suddenly, a neighbor is no longer a stranger but a familiar face — a supportive presence.
It’s essential to remember that a residential building doesn’t belong to the board or property manager — it belongs to its residents and shareholders. Building community spirit cannot be achieved overnight; it requires thought, commitment, and action. Housing associations can kickstart the process by suggesting the formation of a resident committee to generate ideas and foster community spirit.
The effort is well worth it. A housing association built on strong community values benefits not only its residents but the property itself — today and in the future.
This article was translated with the help of AI, original article was in Finnish.
