Become a Volunteer Buddy in SF

Neighborhood Buddies is a community-based program in San Francisco that connects people who feel lonely or isolated with trained volunteer neighbors, called Buddies. We focus on building social connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging through regular check-ins and shared exploration of community life.

Neighborhood Buddies is part of a social prescribing approach, where healthcare partners and community organizations work together to address social isolation and support overall well-being.

Make a difference for an isolated neighbor! Community Living Campaign (CLC) is looking for volunteer Buddies who want to make connections and strengthen their communities.

• Get training and meet other volunteer Buddies
• Our staff will work with you to make a good match
• Count on staff support throughout your match
• Commit for 4 months, with an option to continue
• Options for connecting in person and online

How Neighborhood Buddies works

1. Match with a Buddy: After a short screening, we match participants with a trained volunteer Buddy based on interests, language, availability, and comfort.
2. Connect weekly: Buddies and participants check in about once a week. Check-ins can happen by phone, video, or in person, depending on what feels most comfortable.
3. Explore community activities together: A key part of Neighborhood Buddies is exploring community or group activities together. Buddies and participants talk about interests and attend or explore an activity together about once a month. Activities may be in person or online.
4. Ongoing staff support: CLC staff support both participants and volunteers throughout the program. Staff help with matching, check-ins, questions, transitions, and referrals to other programs or services when needed.