US Chamber of Connection Aims to Help Transplants Build Social Ties

New non-profit program focuses on six key principles to foster community connections for people moving to new cities.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The US Chamber of Connection, founded by social entrepreneur Aaron Hurst, is launching an initiative to help transplants in cities like Seattle build social connections and overcome challenges like the 'Seattle Freeze.' The program is based on six research-backed principles designed to strengthen individual relationships and broader community bonds for new residents.

Why it matters

As more Americans move to new cities each year, many struggle to establish a sense of community and belonging. The Chamber of Connection aims to address this widespread issue by providing a structured approach to help transplants form meaningful social ties in their new homes.

The details

The Chamber of Connection's 'Six Points of Connection' include principles like neighborhood contact, third spaces for gathering, and peer-to-peer coaching. The organization has prototyped the program in Seattle, collaborating with the city government to onboard new residents. Participants are asked to discuss and implement the connection principles with other community members. The goal is to not only aid newcomers, but also motivate existing residents to be more welcoming.

  • The US Chamber of Connection was launched in 2024.
  • The organization is currently focusing its efforts on helping transplants in Seattle.

The players

Aaron Hurst

A social entrepreneur and expert in life purpose/fulfillment who founded the US Chamber of Connection after facing challenges connecting to his new home when moving from Brooklyn to Seattle 11 years ago.

Susan

A 24-year-old graduate who moved from the Southeast to Seattle in 2024 and was able to build a social network with the help of hobby-based communities and other transplants.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like it was easier to connect with other transplants. Everyone seemed to revolve around hobby-based communities.”

— Susan

“There were a lot of people who struggled with this [Seattle Freeze] issue, particularly with the constant waves of newcomers coming into Seattle, that number being about 150,000 people annually.”

— Aaron Hurst, Founder, US Chamber of Connection

What’s next

The US Chamber of Connection plans to expand its program to 50 cities across the US by 2030, aiming to make social connection hubs as common as public libraries.

The takeaway

By providing a structured approach to building community connections, the US Chamber of Connection is working to address a widespread challenge facing millions of Americans who move to new cities each year, helping transplants establish a sense of belonging in their new homes.