A Neighborfest is a locally organized gathering, also known as a block party, that offers neighbors the chance to come together, have fun, and build a stronger, more connected community. Neighborfests are unique because at the heart of each event is a table top activity called “Map Your Resilientville” that allows you and your neighbors to work with City staff, and/or local community organizations, such as the Red Cross, to conduct a disaster preparedness activity for your neighborhood.
In addition to the CIG Program funding, your neighborhood will receive the following for hosting a Neighborfest event:
- A Neighborfest Toolkit that walks you step-by-step through the Neighborfest planning process;
- Assistance and support provided by trained Neighborfest volunteers; and
- Tools to develop a basic neighborhood disaster plan, including asset mapping to keep, store and use in the event of a disaster.
Most of all, through Neighborfest, your neighborhood will have the opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other, strengthen existing relationships, nurture community cohesion and ultimately become better prepared to respond and support each other during and after an emergency.
CIG funds may be used to for a specific community improvement project, but the project must take place within a Neighborfest event. Projects may include: creating a community or school garden; installing a memorial bench; painting a mural; crosswalk or other approved street art; or a neighborhood cleanup project.