How to Be a Good Neighbor in San Diego
When we think of being a good neighbor, many things may come to mind. For instance, neighbors should be friendly and welcoming, while keeping the noise level at a reasonable volume level. Neighbors are also respectful of others, as well as their own property by keeping their lawns maintained and free of debris. Neighbors also help each other out when they can, like carrying your groceries or bringing your dog back if it escapes. There are so many ways to be a good neighbor not only in your community but throughout the city of San Diego. Here are three organizations that can help you be a good neighbor in San Diego.
Good Neighbor Project - Barrio Logan
If you’re looking for a good place to volunteer in San Diego, check out the Good Neighbor Project in Barrio Logan. Since 2008, the Good Neighbor Project has provided support to inner-city youths and families with employment and educational opportunities as well as a variety of other life skills through events like fishing, equestrian education, and conservation practices.
“The communities around the bay of San Diego are known for their rich cultural heritage and large immigrant population. My wife and I both served in various positions over the years, working with youth in our communities. Once we got married, we wanted to continue, so we started the Good Neighbor Project,” said Logan Heights resident and co-founder John Alvarado. Some of the highlights of the program include, “improved outlook, attitude, self-confidence, and interaction with peers and adults, increased knowledge of outdoor recreation, community and employment services, and support to obtain or maintain employment,” Alvarado said. The Good Neighbor Project partners with other organizations, such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the San Diego Unified School District, in order to create a connecting thread throughout San Diego County, and reinforcing a community of good neighbors.
Good Neighbor Gardens - Oceanside
What began as picking asparagus and wild berries with her mother, founder of Good Neighbor Gardens Mia Vaughnes created a company in Oceanside that focuses on locally grown, pesticide-free and organic produce in San Diego. Their goal is “to create a community of neighbors sharing their resources to ensure that everyone has access to the healthiest, freshest food at an affordable price,” according to the Good Neighbor Gardens website. “We want to teach the benefits of eating seasonally, promote an alternative way of feeding our families, and expose you to new and beautiful vegetables.”
Good Neighbor Gardens also has a network of gardens with San Diego homeowners. Known as Gracious Neighbors, the GNG team works with residents to help develop and convert part of their land into a mini farm. Surplus produce is exchanged for three hours of weekly labor by the GNG team, as well as a discount of the harvest share.
Father Joe’s Village - East Village
Want to help the homeless but aren’t sure how? Check out Father Joe’s Village located in East Village and right next to Downtown San Diego. On average, they cater to nearly 1,800 people, and provide as much as 3,000 meals a day, including military veterans and children. The organization provides housing, rental assistance, healthcare, food, clothing, education, job training, mental health, addiction treatment, and child development to many San Diego residents in need.
In honor of good neighbor month this September, they suggested donating unwanted clothes or household goods to their retail stores located in El Cajon or Imperial Beach. If you want to go the extra mile, you can donate funds to 1-800-HOMELESS or volunteer to work in one of their kitchens. If you can share your good neighbor experiences, you may just encourage others to be a good neighbor and help more people in need within the community.