5 Surprising Statistics About Communities (And How CommuniBee is Addressing Them)

These eye-opening statistics shed light on why community is important

As people, we all require social interaction and support in order to thrive. We know this because studies have shown that lonely people suffer more frequently with conditions like cardiovascular problems, compromised immune systems, and depression.

But our need to connect with others is more than just a health concern, it’s also a fundamental part of how our opinions, cultures, and societies are shaped. When people come together and form bonds based on their location, interests, beliefs, or values, the positive impacts can be endless.

Whether it’s having a dependable support circle on which you can lean when times get tough, or benefitting from the trade-off of skills, goods, and services with the people around you, community building offers some form of advantage to every member of the group.

Thus, in this article, we’ll be sharing some lesser-known facts that highlight the benefits of community engagement, as well as discussing how community-based mobile apps can make building a sense of community easier.

Because ultimately, every person should experience the security and the empowerment that comes with belonging to a resilient and cohesive community.

Here Are 5 Community Building Statistics (And Why They Are Important)

1. One Third of Americans Have Never Interacted With Their Next Door Neighbour

When we feel close to someone, we’re more likely to be concerned about their well-being, and we also become more inclined to want to create a peaceful and respectful relationship with the people around us.

Getting to know our neighbours exposes us to local resources and information, expands our social circles, and increases safety. Yet, so many of us fail to introduce ourselves to the people who live closest to us.

Thankfully, a community app like CommuniBee can take the awkwardness out of getting to know our neighbours. By joining local discussion forums and sharing information in a convenient, designated online space, communication becomes simplified, and connections can be formed virtually before eventually transferring over into real life.

2. 60 Percent of Senior Citizens Who Live in a Nursing Home-Enviornment do not Receive Outside Vistors

Our elders have seen society evolve, contributed the longest to the communities they live in, and have invested the most time and energy into creating a better future.

Yet, too often, our elders suffer from isolation and loneliness in the later years of life.

This is particularly troublesome when you consider the fact that elderly citizens are the most likely out of all adult groups to give back to their communities via volunteering and financial contributions.

It’s evident that our seniors have a valuable and essential role to play when it comes to community building, but connecting with their demographic is often something communities fail to do.

Community based mobile apps like CommuniBee are a great way to bridge the gap between age groups. Seniors can log into the app via their tablet or mobile device, and receive relevant information about upcoming local events and activities in real-time. Keeping them informed and increasing the likelihood that they will participate in these outings.

Additionally, they can engage with their community members via a convenient and accessible online platform, giving them a way to engage from the comfort of their own home.

Lastly, a community app is a great place for senior citizens to form new friendships and social connections with other like-minded individuals. By discussing local issues, politics, or causes, they can establish contacts they may not have otherwise had.

3. Only 28 Percent of Americans Have Worked With Their Fellow Citizens to Solve a Community Problem Within the Last 12 Months

In today’s society, it is becoming increasingly common to completely disengage from the outside world. Online shopping allows us to have goods and services delivered without leaving our homes, and the emergence of technology has allowed us to communicate with one another via a screen, eliminating the need for face-to-face interaction.

But in order for communities to remain strong, resilient, and successful, we must be willing to work together.

This is where participation comes in.

Many times, local residents simply aren’t aware of the opportunities that exist to become involved in their communities. And other times, they don’t believe they can make a difference.

But with an online platform like CommuniBee, communities can make their opportunities for involvement known, and emphasize the importance of civic engagement.

By posting information about upcoming political campaigns, community events, or local organizations that residents can join, communities can boost engagement from their members and establish stronger ties.

4. 4.8 Million Canadians and 43.1 Million Americans Live Below the Poverty Line

The ability for our most vulnerable citizens to not only survive, but thrive, is one of the most compelling reasons why community is important.

Strong communities are able to offer resources like homeless shelters, food bank programs, literacy programs, and job training opportunities to those who are struggling financially.

By supporting disadvantaged and marginalized groups, we can ensure that these individuals are able to seize opportunities when they arise, and become healthy, contributing members of our communities.

Community based mobile apps are an excellent way to inform your community members about the resources, programs, and supports that are available to them.

The CommuniBee app even has a built-in directory, where communities can upload the contact information for any non-profit organizations, community centres, or government programs that may be beneficial for vulnerable residents.

5. 88 Percent of Canadians will Choose to Support a Local Business When Possible and 90 Percent of Americans Shop at a Small Business at Least Once per Week

In order to succeed in community building, the community itself needs to be self-sustaining. And a major factor in generating sustainability is to support local businesses.

When people buy from local businesses, they are supporting people just like you— residents who want to see their community thrive. Additionally, you are supporting employment opportunities and contributing to the prosperity of the society you live in.

Lastly, people who buy food and produce from locally-owned businesses have lower rates of mortality, obesity, and diabetes, since the goods aren’t subjected to the high levels of preservatives and pesticides that they would be if they had to travel long distances.

With the CommuniBee app, community leaders can promote their local businesses to residents. Specials and limited time offers can be shared in the CommuniBee benefits section, and the contact information for each business can be listed in the built-in directory.

Just another amazing benefit of our industry-leading community app!