The Town of Westport has launched a new initiative aimed at connecting residents during this isolating time.

The program is called "Hello, Neighbor," and it aims to connect people in the community through phone calls.

Westport resident Navida Greifenberger came up with the idea after realizing the value of conversation during social distancing, and posted it on social media.

"I'd read that a personal connection between people, just hearing a voice, being able to express how you're feeling to another human being could really go some way towards making you feel better when you're feeling all these negative feelings," she says.

Selectwoman Melissa Kane connected Greifenberger with the town's Department of Human Services and its director, Elain Daignault, and her idea for a phone network became a reality.

"It's a way to have Westport residents reach out to each other, be there for each other, maybe make new friends, new mentors -- and really connect as neighbors," Kane says.

Residents can sign up to get calls through Hello, Neighbor or make them. A form online also allows them to list hobbies and interests so they're matched up with someone who has things in common.

Daignault says 75 people so far have signed up.

"We hear a lot about mental health and self-care," says Daignault. "That's a really difficult thing for some people to do, so I really like the idea of community care and I think community care is this program in a nutshell."

For questions, please email helloneighbor@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5037.