Back in May 2013, Business News Daily published an article that included the following statement: “A study by public relations and marketing firm Cone Communications and Echo Research revealed corporate social responsibility is now a reputational imperative, with more than 90 percent of shoppers worldwide likely to switch to brands that support a good cause, given similar price and quality.”

While the article specifically addresses products and services bought and sold, it is to be assumed that tenants, too, will be more likely to rent from a multifamily property with social responsibility at the forefront of doing business. To improve the social responsibility of your own multifamily property, we’ve put together the following three easy tips.

Moving for Hunger

There is a great business concept that was started on the East Coast by a not-for-profit called Move for Hunger. The concept is simple: Too much food is left behind in cupboards and pantries when people move. So, a young entrepreneur leveraged his father’s moving company as a way to reach into those homes and request donations for local food banks.

The result has been tremendous. Now, this once-small endeavor is spreading nationally, and movers such as Atlas are working with the not-for-profit to encourage even more giving spirits on a grander scale. The idea here, of course, is for you to reach out to this organization to learn whether services are offered in your area. If they aren’t, then take matters into your own hands. Join forces with local food pantries and encourage tenants to donate their surplus at move-in/move-out.

Houses for Homeless

While it may go against the very nature of a property manager, you could give back in a major way if you have a unit to spare. Consider labeling it your charity unit and allowing a homeless family or individual to live in it for 12 months. Open the program up as a promotion in the community and allow people to be nominated and voted on.

Such a program offered to deserving individuals relieves the pressure placed on them to pay for living expenses, and frees them to focus on the task of getting and keeping gainful employment, while saving money for the future.

Simple, but Effective

On the opposite end of the spectrum is perhaps the simplest idea to implement: recycling. By either using systems already in place in your community, or by creating your own initiative, you can encourage tenants to reuse and recycle. This will speak to the more green-minded and earth-friendly tenants, of which there are plenty.

Reward in a Reward

Being socially responsible as part of your business and marketing plan takes a strategic approach that is well thought out. While doing anything to help others shouldn’t be done merely for the personal benefit, there is something to be said for an approach that does so much for others, and that gives back to the business in goodwill and good business.

So, of course, make sure to keep these efforts front and center in marketing materials and promotions.

© Alexmillos | Dreamstime.com