One of the silver linings of the coronavirus pandemic has been watching my neighbors respond and help one another during this time of crisis in our country.

We moved into our little neighborhood just over four years ago. We came for the mid-century modern architecture, but quickly discovered something better, a sense of community that harkens back to that era, which has been lost in many places across America.

In the first week of lockdown, somebody in the neighborhood organized a list of twenty-plus volunteers who could go get groceries for the elderly or immunocompromised. A person in need can simply send an email to the list and within a couple hours somebody offers to go to the store for them.

This past weekend, neighbors got together and designed an elaborate scavenger hunt for the kids that was appropriate for physical distancing. Most neighbors participated putting by elaborate scenes in their yards, complete with riddles on chalkboards, large blow-up animals, and large hand-made marbles were hidden throughout the neighborhood. Kids were delighted and out-of-idea parents were thankful for the activity.

Additionally, almost every week neighbor works with a food truck owner to help bring some variety to our dinner tables while also helping out a small locally-based business. And at 11am every Sunday two women dressed in costume – Ghostbusters one week, Santa and Mrs. Clause the next—and jog through the neighborhood waving at kids.

When I look back at this time I will think about the uncertainty and the fear, but I will also think about the resiliency of my community. Perhaps after all of this, the American neighborhood will have a resurgence.

What are you seeing in your neighborhood? Let us know.