Project Description Narrative:
In the hyper-segregated Metcalfe Park neighborhood on Milwaukee’s north side, 87% of residents are African American and 42% live beneath the federal poverty line. Most housing in the neighborhood has health-risk conditions such as mold, asbestos, and pest infestations, exposing residents to potentially dangerous environments.
Unfortunately, the area’s health inequities were only exacerbated by social isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as economic upheaval, displacement, and political, racial, and social justice events.
Metcalfe Community Park Bridges will identify residents suffering from chronic disease and disabilities, single women heads of household, and young adults experiencing loneliness and social isolation. Through this project, a survey will document the health effects and implications for neighborhood connectedness and engagement, and a report will deliver strategies for addressing the increasing need for health and well-being to deter loneliness and isolation. Ultimately, residents will be provided with an increased understanding of the importance of social connection, encouragement for more active community engagement, and a more welcoming environment for seeking help during struggles with loneliness and isolation.