Sangha of Auspicious Companions

West Philly’s Second Story Collective Pairs Students with Older Adults

What happens when two generations open their doors to one another? In West Philadelphia, a small but growing program called Second Story Collective is bringing college students and older residents together through shared housing, creating unexpected friendships along the way. For Ms. Julia, a retired nursing assistant who has lived in her neighborhood for more than 50 years, welcoming 22-year-old Drexel University student Jackson Tignor into her home has brought new companionship and laughter. In return, Jackson has found more than an affordable place to live — he’s discovered a sense of belonging and a deeper connection to the community around him. Through everyday moments of shared meals, conversations, and helping hands, the program is quietly challenging loneliness, housing insecurity, and the divisions that too often separate generations. Sometimes, building a stronger community begins with something as simple as opening a door.

Be The Change

Reach out to someone from a different generation today — an older neighbor, a younger colleague, or a relative you haven’t spoken with in a while. Invite them to share a story, ask a question, or simply spend a little time together. You may discover that what begins as a small conversation becomes a meaningful connection for both of you.