Experiencing Homelessness and the Importance of Human Connection
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “solitude,” “isolation,” and “seclusion” all refer to the state of one who is alone. Solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings, or of being cut off. Isolation stresses detachment from others, often involuntarily. Seclusion suggests keeping apart from others, often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world.
How does this relate to those experiencing homelessness served by ImmaCare? We have clients who live outdoors in places not meant for human habitation who choose to do so because of conditions (such as mental illness), and who don’t want to be put in a congregate setting, including a shelter. These individuals often stick to themselves, or with others in similar situations, often only meeting people in soup kitchens.
Then there are those who utilize ImmaCare’s emergency shelter services in the Housing Navigation Center. Again, these individuals are with others in similar situations as them, though each has a unique story on how they got to the shelter. These individuals eat together, watch television together or play a game of cards with others.
It’s when our food group volunteers come to serve a warm meal, smile and ask how one’s day was, when real connections happen. ImmaCare recently purchased some board games and decks of cards to encourage interaction amongst clients and these volunteers. During these moments of socialization, clients feel a part of something and a sense of belonging, not as disregarded individuals often shunned by society, hearing whispers of “bum” and “hobo” as they walk by.
When feeling dehumanized, people can be pushed further out of the social fabric of connection, and feelings of desperation may cause individuals to further isolate, and sometimes self-medicate with substances to mask the feelings of not being accepted or wanted. However, interacting with food group volunteers of a different economic class can result in positive results. Cross-class connections and friendships can inspire change about how our clients feel about themselves.
