What does it mean to be healthy?
It’s easy to think of health in terms of hospital visits, prescriptions, or diets. But a growing body of research shows that one of the greatest threats to our well-being isn’t just physical—it’s relational.
Social isolation is now considered as dangerous to health as smoking or excessive drinking, and even more hazardous than obesity. It increases the risk of depression, anxiety, dementia, and premature death. And it’s not just a personal problem—it’s a public health issue. But the good news is this: community development can be the antidote.
At SENT Inc., we’re not just transforming buildings—we’re building belonging. And in Southeast Topeka, that can make all the difference.
The High Cost of Disconnection
According to the Build Healthy Places Network, people who are isolated face longer hospital stays, higher readmission rates, and worse outcomes across almost every health metric. And the healthcare sector spends over $1 trillion annually addressing preventable conditions linked to poverty and inequity—including isolation.
The most affected? Older adults, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, rural residents, and those living with disabilities. These are exactly the neighbors that community-based organizations like SENT are built to serve.
Community Development = Connection
The research is clear: community design matters. Streets, sidewalks, green spaces, and gathering places all shape our chances of connecting with others. That’s why community developers play a vital role in reducing isolation—and why SENT prioritizes connection in everything we do.
Here’s how SENT Inc. is putting these insights into practice in SE Topeka:
Infill Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization
We’re rebuilding trust—house by house. Through our housing initiative, SENT is renovating older homes and constructing new infill housing, including the city’s first new net-zero home and the first new home in Hi-Crest in over 60 years. But these homes are more than energy-efficient—they’re placed with intention, close to parks, schools, and neighborhood gathering spaces.
Green Spaces and Beautification
Through curb appeal grants and neighborhood improvement initiatives, SENT helps residents transform their blocks—from overgrown lots into walkable paths and from neglected lawns into welcoming porches. The Build Healthy Places factsheet underscores that access to green space builds community and lowers isolation risk—and we’re committed to making those spaces accessible for all.
Arts, Culture, and Youth Programming
From Creative Expressions workshops for teens to storytelling projects led by our youth mentors, SENT uses creative outlets to foster shared experience and identity. These aren’t just activities—they’re protective factors for emotional wellness and belonging.
Multi-Generational Connection
Whether it’s elders and youth working side by side to help out at the Filling Station or youth volunteers learning home repair from local tradesmen, SENT facilitates natural, everyday ways for generations to connect. Research shows that mixed-age interaction combats the isolation of both young and old, especially in areas experiencing economic disinvestment.
Community Events and Civic Engagement
SENT’s annual Summer Fireworks Extravaganza brings out thousands of neighbors to celebrate together—and it’s not just a party. Events like these build social capital, increase civic engagement, and give residents a sense of ownership over their neighborhood’s future. That’s a powerful antidote to loneliness.
From Isolation to Inclusion: Why It Matters
Too often, disconnection is invisible. But at SENT, we see the signs every day:
- The senior who hasn’t had a visitor in weeks
- The teen who scrolls through social media but can’t name a friend
- The young family new to town with no support system
What if the right housing plan, community event, or volunteer program could change that? We believe it can.
As Build Healthy Places points out, isolation is not just about loneliness—it’s about access. Access to services. To transportation. To culture. To a neighbor’s front porch. That’s why SENT’s vision isn’t just about development—it’s about connection.
What You Can Do
It takes a whole community to create connection. Here’s how you can help SENT fight isolation and foster belonging in Southeast Topeka:
- Volunteer your time—mentor a teen, help neighbors find groceries at the Southside Filling Station, or serve at an event
- Donate—your gift helps us build homes, fund programs, and expand support
- Share our mission—tell others about the importance of connection and equity
Together, We Build Belonging
At SENT, we believe every person deserves not just a house—but a place to feel known.
We’re working every day to ensure that isolation is replaced by interaction, and that vulnerability is met with community. Because when we build together, we build more than homes—we build hope.
Learn more about how to get involved at: www.senttopeka.com