Pittsburgh group joins national push to fight loneliness
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An organization dedicated to building community in Pittsburgh is joining a national effort to make social connection a civic priority.
Why it matters: Pittsburgh is a city of neighborhoods, deep-rooted social circles and a reputation for not crossing rivers, making it difficult for newcomers and longtime residents alike to foster new relationships.
- As Americans become more alienated, Pittsburgh Social Health founder Haley Ingersoll says prioritizing social wellness in civic institutions leads to safer, healthier, and more economically resilient cities.
The big picture: Pittsburgh Social Health is rebranding as the Pittsburgh Chamber of Connection, one of the first five city chapters of the U.S. Chamber of Connection, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing growing social disconnection and mistrust.
Zoom in: Now with nonprofit status, the team will work with city leaders across sectors "to make sure connection is part of programming and is seen as a legitimate cause," Ingersoll tells Axios. "It ties back to mental and physical health issues, voter participation, volunteering, economic development and so many other things."
- Initiatives could include developing more third spaces, strengthening the nighttime economy, expanding support for people navigating major life transitions, and more, she says.
- They're currently fundraising for a "State of Connection" study in Pittsburgh, measuring key indicators to guide their efforts.
Flashback: Pittsburgh Social Health has hosted everything from casual neighborhood meetups to its flagship Connection Expo, which has drawn more than 850 attendees.
- What started as a response to post-pandemic isolation after Ingersoll moved to the city at the height of COVID-19 has become one of Pittsburgh's fastest-growing community-building efforts.
What they're saying: "It opened my eyes to how many of us need better on-ramps to finding friends," she said. "I think a lot of times we just chalk it up to 'making friends in adulthood is hard' and leave it there, but I wasn't super satisfied with that answer."
What's next: Ingersoll is still defining the nonprofit's role in event planning but will continue highlighting free and low-cost things to do across the city while hosting occasional meetups. RSVP for a July 15 information session here.
- Locals will have plenty of opportunities to get involved in chamber activities, she said, including this year's Welcome Week from Sept. 26–Oct. 4.