1000 Neighborhood Gatherings
In 2023, Colorado Springs leaders, including city council members, Police and Fire Department chiefs, school superintendents, and Mayor Yemi Mobolade, began to highlight the seriousness of poor mental health among local citizens. This decline is being experienced on every side of community interactions, in every neighborhood and corner of the community.
In an effort to stem the tide of these concerns, as well as turn around these trends toward more positive outcomes, the City of Colorado Springs has named mental health and resilience as a key outcome over the next few years. While other local resources exist to address these issues, a major action point has been an initiative to hold 1,000 neighborhood parties in 2024, in order to connect neighbors to one another. Research has demonstrated that knowing the names of 6 nearby neighbors can substantially decrease suicide ideation; additional research validates the power of connectedness among neighbors to boost a sense of community and resilience.
Why Should The Church Participate?
The Bible is full of teaching and instruction on loving one’s neighbor (Lev. 19:18; Rom. 13:9-10; Rom. 15:2; Jas. 2:8; Luke 10:25-37). Not only that, but the crises of loneliness, isolation and despair are in direct contrast to one of the central purposes of the local church: to connect people to one another for the sake of hope, care, and connectedness. This makes for the perfect opportunity for local churches to work alongside city leaders, “seeking the peace and prosperity of the city to which the Lord has called you” (Jer. 29:7), by doing the very things the church was established to do while also advancing an initiative the city deems critical.
Apply for Funding
Churches may apply for up to $750, with a suggested target of using $150 per neighborhood party. The more parties a church intends to help execute, the more money for which it is able to apply. We want to make it as easy as possible for attenders of local churches to hold gatherings in their homes, streets, front and back yards, and neighborhood parks – and want to assist in the cost of gathering one’s neighbors.
Find Your Hosts
We are excited that you are interested in hosting a neighborhood gathering!
You can use the COSILoveYou Neighborhood Gatherings Summary Document to communicate the initiative with your church. Once you’ve identified 2-5 church members interested in hosting a gathering.
Register Your Gathering
After you’ve found your hosts, it’s time to register! Click here, to register your church and apply for funding. Churches can apply for up to $750 ($150 per gathering).
Once you have identified your hosts, have them complete their gathering registration here with the City of Colorado Springs.
Host Your Gathering
Prepare for your gatherings by ensuring that your hosts are inviting neighbors, obtaining permits (if necessary), and gathering supplies.
For more information on city permits and rentals, click here.
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