Establish social support groups

Rationale: Free, publicized and regular support services with a remote option help occupants navigate complex issues and planning needs, fostering enhanced community engagement and reducing stress levels and feelings of isolation, contributing to diminished risk of anxiety and depression.

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Social Support Groups (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with all the following requirements:

1. Provide on-site access to a minimum of one life-stage or interest social support group.

Qualifying life-stage and interest groups may include but are not limited to the following:

• bereavement or loss
• parents
• solo dwellers
• caregivers
• managers
• essential workers
• expectant mothers
• special interest groups such as advocacy, athletics, or arts.

2. Provide on-site access to a minimum of one identity social support group.

Qualifying identity groups may include but are not limited to the following:

• gender
• people of color
• illness
• (dis)ability
• LGBTQIA+.

3. Ensure that the social support groups are offered free of charge to all occupants within the project.

4. Ensure the identified groups meet at minimum once per month.

5. Publicize the social support groups to all occupants within the project through one of the following methods:

• a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
• communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters.

6. Establish a process for the creation of new groups.

Option 2 - Virtual Support Services (Partial Credit):

The project may achieve partial credit by demonstrating compliance with all of the following requirements:

1. Provide virtual access to a minimum of one life-stage or interest social support group.

Qualifying life-stage and interest groups may include but are not limited to the following:

• bereavement or loss
• parents
• solo dwellers
• caregivers
• managers
• essential workers
• expectant mothers
• special interest groups such as advocacy, athletics, or arts.

2. Provide virtual access to a minimum of one identity social support group.

Qualifying identity groups may include but are not limited to the following:

• gender
• people of color
• illness
• (dis)ability
• LGBTQIA+.

3. Ensure that the social support groups are offered free of charge to all occupants within the project.

4. Ensure the identified groups meet a minimum of once per month.

5. Publicize the social support groups to all occupants within the project through one of the following methods:

• a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
• communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters.

6. Establish a process for the creation of new groups.

Compliance Documentation

Types of compliance documentation required:

• Descriptions
• Certified statements