Connections build empathy and solidarity, and these commitments create supportive and protective communities. Everyone needs this, especially when we face difficult challenges.
Hugh Hollowell, founder and director of Love Wins Ministries in North Carolina, says that the opposite is homelessness isn’t just being housed. The real opposite of homelessness is community. When we extend our community relationships to include others, it is less likely that someone will experience homelessness. People often lose access to shelter because they’ve lost relationships.
We all need community support and care –
when we’ve lost a job,
when we’ve lost a loved one,
when we’ve begun a transition,
when we’ve left a religious community,
when we have mental health needs,
when we have financial needs,
when we have a deportation order,
when we’ve received a diagnosis,
when we don’t know where our next meal is coming from.
Does someone come to mind when you read this list? Can you reach out to them so that their access to community ties are strong?
Do you find yourself on that list? Do you know that you’re worth support and belonging? You are. Reach out to someone and let them know how you’re really doing.
Community is an intrinsic good, and we all need it.
Smuggling Grace 