Meet Kvartalets Balder-nabo: Stephen and Dawn welcome everyone with warmth and openness
 

When Stephen and Dawn Sandoval received the news that their neighbor Line had nominated them for Balder’s Neighbor of the Quarter award, they were both touched and humbled.

“It was so moving, and it really struck us deeply. That someone took the time to write such kind words – that’s a huge gesture,” says Dawn.

The couple has lived in Balder’s property Fælledkanten with their two children and dog since 2019 – in fact, they moved in before the building was even completed. Fælledkanten is in Ørestad South, right on the edge of the beautiful Amager Fælled nature area. The property features modern rental homes, shared facilities, and a diverse mix of residents.

“In the beginning, it was hard to build a sense of community, but over time, those connections have grown – perhaps because many, like us, have lived here for several years,” Stephen shares.

Stephen and Dawn’s approach to being good neighbors is simple but powerful: small gestures and genuine interest.

“We believe that if you smile and say hello, it comes back to you. That’s where it starts. Then suddenly, you’re borrowing tools, looking after each other’s dog or kids – and you just become part of something,” says Stephen.

A home with special needs and big hearts

Their everyday life is filled with joy, but also with challenges. Stephen lives with the long-term effects of a brain aneurysm he suffered in 2013 – something that has greatly influenced their choice of home.

“In 2019, we suddenly found ourselves without a place to live. We contacted several landlords here in Ørestad, but very few responded positively. At Balder, we were met with kindness and a willingness to help – even though we may have had more requirements than most,” Stephen explains.

Today, Dawn, Stephen, their two teenage children, and their dog live in a ground-floor apartment with access to a small private terrace. Like all Balder properties, Fælledkanten has an elevator, which allows Stephen to access the rooftop common areas. But it’s not just the shared facilities that build community – it's the small, daily interactions: dog walks, spontaneous coffee chats, and friendly smiles in the stairwell.

“It doesn’t take much to be a good neighbor. A smile, a bit of time, a kind gesture – it can make a huge difference. And from our experience, it’s contagious,” says Dawn.

Neighbors who step up in times of crisis

Both Dawn and Stephen are aware that creating a community in a rental building can be challenging, especially when neighbors may only stay for a year or two. So how do you create a sustainable culture of togetherness?

“We realised that many people stay. We started taking walks with the dogs, the kids became part of each other’s lives – and we became a community,” says Stephen.

“Our neighbors have become people we can rely on – people who help in a crisis. When you live with a spinal injury, situations can suddenly arise where you need to get to the hospital. In those moments, neighbors have stepped in without hesitation – taking care of our dog and our kids.”

These experiences have only strengthened the couple’s belief that their approach to neighborliness and mutual care is appreciated – and mirrored.

“When you’ve received that kind of care, it feels completely natural to pass it on. It’s not something you have to think about,” Dawn says, and adds:

“We understand that breaking the ice can be hard. Danes can seem a bit more private or reserved at first – but that changes once you get to know each other. In fact, some of our closest neighbors are Danish. Sometimes it’s just the dog – or the kids – that help build that bridge.”

Do you know a neighbor who deserves a little extra recognition?
Then nominate them for the next round of Kvartalets Balder-nabo. You can find more information and see previous winners here.