Reflections on Community: Then and Now - Unlocking Prosperity Through Asset-Based Community Development

Growing up in a community over 50 years ago was a vastly different experience compared to today. As someone who has lived this evolution firsthand, I reflect on how these changes have shaped our sense of belonging. This reflection also highlights the importance of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) in addressing growing challenges, including the increasing prevalence of homelessness, by rediscovering the power of community and family values.

1. Sense of Unity and Togetherness

Back then, community meant more than just shared geography; it was a tight-knit social fabric where everyone knew each other. Neighbours supported one another through life’s ups and downs, creating an environment where families thrived. However, over the years, this strong sense of unity has weakened. The breakdown of community values, along with economic pressures, rising housing costs, and insufficient support systems has contributed to the rise in loneliness, poverty, and homelessness in many communities across the globe.

The disintegration of family structures and the weakening of social ties often leave individuals without the support systems that were once taken for granted. Many people find themselves isolated during times of hardship, leading to increased vulnerability to homelessness. This makes it all the more important to rebuild the sense of community that was once a source of strength.

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) takes this concept of togetherness and rebuilds it by focusing on the strengths and assets already present within a community. Rather than looking at what’s lacking, ABCD identifies the skills, talents, and resources of individuals and networks that can be leveraged to rebuild supportive environments, which, in turn, can prevent the social isolation that can lead to poverty and homelessness.

2. Communication and Connection

In the past, communication was slower but more personal, fostering deeper, more meaningful relationships. Today, digital platforms offer instant connectivity, but these connections are often superficial. Without strong relationships, many individuals facing hardship may lack the social safety nets that were once provided by tight-knit communities.

Homelessness is often a byproduct of this disconnection. People without family support or community bonds are more vulnerable to economic downturns, mental health struggles, and housing instability. ABCD offers a way forward by encouraging residents to collaborate, share knowledge, and build relationships rooted in local assets. When people work together, communities become stronger, creating an environment where fewer individuals fall through the cracks.

3. Opportunities for Engagement

In earlier times, community involvement was integral to daily life. Neighbours came together naturally through local events, neighbourhood projects, or simply informal gatherings. Today, with busy schedules and digital distractions, community engagement has declined, contributing to a loss of collective responsibility.

This decline in engagement has left many individuals, particularly those experiencing homelessness, without the support they need. As housing markets tighten and social services struggle to keep pace with demand, more people find themselves on the fringes of society. ABCD, however, offers a solution. By identifying existing assets within a community, whether people’s skills, local businesses, or cultural resources, ABCD fosters a renewed sense of engagement. Initiatives like Kommuniti Café or Hub embody this spirit by providing a platform for neighbours to contribute their talents, creating a culture of inclusion and support.

This type of engagement is key to addressing homelessness at its root. When communities are empowered to support their own members, they can prevent social exclusion and create safety nets that ensure no one is left behind.

4. Changing Demographics, Family Values, and Homelessness

Communities today are more diverse, but they also face challenges tied to the erosion of family values and community cohesion. Over the past few decades, economic pressures, increased mobility, and shifting social dynamics have weakened family structures. Single-parent households, unemployment, and the absence of extended family support have left many individuals more vulnerable to housing instability and homelessness.

ABCD offers a way to counteract this erosion by embracing diversity and reinforcing shared values. The model recognises that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has something valuable to contribute to the community. By focusing on people’s strengths rather than their needs or deficits, ABCD creates a culture of shared responsibility. This sense of inclusion and mutual support can help prevent homelessness by ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of society have access to resources, relationships, and opportunities.

5. Homelessness and Asset-Based Prosperity: A Vision for the Future

As we navigate the changes in our communities, one thing remains constant: the importance of connection, belonging, and support in shaping our collective wellbeing. Homelessness is a complex issue, but its proliferation over the years can often be traced back to the breakdown of family and community values. The isolation faced by many individuals whether due to the loss of family, economic hardship, or mental health struggles can be alleviated by the creation of supportive, asset-based communities.

Asset-Based Community Development reminds us that even in the face of challenges, communities are rich in untapped potential. By building on existing strengths and focusing on the assets already present within communities, ABCD empowers individuals and groups to lead their own development, fostering a sense of ownership and pride that leads to long-term prosperity.

While the landscape of community has evolved over the decades, the essence of human connection, support, and shared responsibility remains timeless. By incorporating the principles of Asset-Based Community Development and addressing the root causes of homelessness, we can rebuild communities that not only prosper but also ensure that no one is left behind.

#AssetBasedCommunityDevelopment #KommunitiCafe Kommuniti HQ