Purpose Built Communities harnesses neighborhoods as powerful engines of change to improve outcomes for people in economic mobility, health, and racial equity. Our model strengthens neighborhoods through mixed-income housing, education, health and wellness, and economic mobility led by a local nonprofit organization that we call a community quarterback organization. Embedded in this approach is a focus on building social capital between the people who live in the neighborhoods where we are invited to work. Social capital—especially bridging capital—binds these efforts together and truly moves the needle on collapsing economic and racial disparities. Just as importantly, social capital is the key to rebuilding our civic society and strengthening our democracy.
Social capital refers to the networks of relationships each person develops over their lifetime. There are three types: bonding, linking, and bridging capital. Bonding capital refers to the links we form with people who typically share our social location or immediate experiences. Linking capital describes relationships that cross formal lines of authority, like the connection you have with your doctor or a teacher. But bridging capital—the most essential to our work—is about fostering relationships across social divides, such as race, class, or nationality. Bridging capital is at the very heart of the Purpose Built Communities approach to community-led transformation.
For decades, all three kinds of social capital in the U.S. have been declining. The consequences are profound. We are experiencing a loneliness epidemic. Social isolation is taking a toll on the mental health of both adults and children. Trust in institutions has dwindled. As a result, our ability to make progress together as communities has diminished. As the Joint Economic Committee pointed out in 2017, “The connective tissue that facilitates cooperation has eroded.” Many of us feel like our country is divided.
Purpose Built Communities has been working to reverse this trend. Our Network Members have had to focus on rebuilding social capital, especially bridging capital, because doing so is essential for our model. Network Members are deeply invested in their neighborhoods and the people who live there. They cultivate deep relationships of trust with neighbors and partners. They bring people from different walks of life together to solve complex challenges. When visiting our Network Members, I have seen people set aside all manner of differences to focus on a common purpose: making sure every neighborhood offers pathways to prosperity.
I walk out of those visits deeply encouraged and inspired. We can—and we will—rebuild a society where everyone feels committed to creating a prosperous, equitable future. We are already doing it. When I see people courageously stepping out to invest in bridging capital, I see a shared value in our common humanity. I see people determined to create a country where every neighborhood offers pathways to healthy, choice-filled lives.
I’m grateful you are committed to this vision, too.
