In Asheville and Western North Carolina, fostering a strong community enhances quality of life, nurtures our entrepreneurial spirit, and ensures resilience in times of need. Whether it’s supporting small business, improving your immediate neighborhood, or creating lasting local relationships, there are many ways you can work to enhance Asheville’s vibrant communities.
Volunteer your time
Getting involved in volunteer initiatives around Asheville strengthens bonds and helps to meet the community’s needs. Here’s how you can contribute:
Partner with local organizations: Groups such as Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity https://www.ashevillehabitat.org and United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County https://www.unitedwayabc.org offer structured volunteer opportunities to support housing, education and health initiatives – no prior experience necessary. And if you have expertise in trades, mentoring, or organizing events, you can take your volunteering contributions to the next level!
Lend a hand at festive community events: Area organizations like Asheville Downtown Association https://www.ashevilledowntown.org and LEAF Global Arts https://theleaf.org/volunteer/ sponsor festivals, concerts and other events to bring community together for fun, festive events. Consider volunteering your time to help make these gatherings a success.
Form grassroots volunteer groups: You don’t have to leave your neighborhood to strengthen community. Gather neighbors to help with beautification projects, assist fellow residents, or maintain shared spaces.
Connect with neighbors
Regular neighborhood gatherings create a sense of belonging and strengthen relationships among residents. Consider these ideas:
Plan a block party or potluck: Hosting a casual get-together allows neighbors to meet, share food, and form stronger bonds.
Participate in a local market: Many neighborhoods in Asheville and Western N.C. host regular farmers’ and makers’ markets boasting local wares (West Asheville Tailgate Market https://www.westashevilletailgatemarket.com/ and North Asheville Tailgate Market https://northashevilletailgatemarket.com/ are just two of many). Maybe you know an up-and-coming artist or other creative entrepreneur (or maybe you’re one yourself!): Encourage them to showcase their products at a local market where they can connect with community while forging a following for their goods.
Share a skill: The Asheville area is replete with residents boasting a range of talents, interests and hobbies. Consider hosting workshops within the community where neighbors can either teach or take in a new skill.
Join forces to improve community
Collaborating on neighborhood enhancement projects ensures a cleaner, safer, more attractive environment for everyone. Here are a few ways to get started:
Create a community garden: As the weather warms up in Asheville, it’s a great time to start planting a garden. Why not make it one to share with the community? Whether it’s a public patch designated by the neighborhood, or one you create in your yard, shared green spaces promote sustainability, provide fresh produce, and serve as gathering spots.
Advocate for better infrastructure: If infrastructure issues regarding sidewalks, lighting or traffic safety pop up in your neighborhood, you and your neighbors can work with Asheville City or Buncombe County officials toward improvements.
Create a neighborhood watch program: To enhance neighborhood security, encourage neighbors to keep a lookout for each other’s properties, check on things for out-of-town neighbors, and report suspicious activity promptly to police.
Shop local
Supporting Asheville’s diverse local businesses is key to keeping our community strong. Doing so helps preserve the unique character of our region while keeping resources within the community.
Shop and dine local: Small and locally owned retailers and restaurants make up the heart of Asheville, creating vibrant and eclectic districts throughout the city. Prioritize spending your dollars at these businesses.
Promote small businesses: Use social media and word-of-mouth to spread the word about Asheville’s neighborhood restaurants, boutique shops and services.
Support entrepreneurial advocacy: Consider supporting small-business organizations like Mountain Bizworks https://www.mountainbizworks.org, which helps to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate and thrive.
Mosaic Realty knows the importance of building and strengthening local community, and works tirelessly to that end. And for more information on real estate in Asheville, or anywhere in Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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