Did you know that loneliness is linked to an increase in heart disease, diabetes, stroke, anxiety, and depression? It really does come down to living a longer healthier life. This is a real epidemic in our current culture (to read more about it check out this NPR article)

In the interest of community building, and now that we know all of the negative health impacts of Loneliness, this article presents some community-building resources throughout the Portland area. These resources are not only for meeting others, but will also support the need for creating a safe and loving community of small businesses, change makers, inspired thinkers, and LOVE, both for you and those already in your community.

Remember, you can also create the community you want and love by using your money to support businesses that stand for the things that you value, find important, inspiring, loving, equitable, and thoughtful. Here are a few links to sites that will support these same efforts for you, if you choose.

First, Portland has so many resources for finding communities that you want to call home. This site highlights LGBTQ+ communities, business owners, and Portlanders as a whole. Next, supporting BIPOC-owned businesses is a small, but important step to supporting the diversity of humans and the diversity of stores, restaurants, tech, and more. We do have the power to encourage this shift. This site highlights some BIPOC-owned businesses in your area.

Get The Friends You Want in Portland is a site focused on just that, finding friends. Oh and if, like me, it’s been a while since you practiced making friends (like for me it was in college) you might like a little refresher on how to go about making friends. This article is a gem.

Did you know Vitalize Acupuncture is now a BIPOC and LGBTQ+-owned business? Happy community building.

Written by Sarah Carter L.Ac.