When we hear the word “home,” we often picture a physical structure. We envision walls that shelter us from the elements, a roof overhead, and rooms filled with our possessions.
It’s true that a home involves a physical location, but it doesn’t end there. Home is a profound aspect of the human experience. It stirs up emotions like security, independence, pride, and connection.
At Interfaith Community PADS, we provide temporary shelter to guests. In the process, we work hard to evoke that sense of security, independence, pride, and connection.
And when we help our guests find housing, we know that we’re not just giving them keys to a door but also keys to unlock those deep, human emotions that define ‘home.’
Today, let’s dive deeper into these emotions and explore what ‘home’ really means.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ (Psalm 91:1-2)
Security
A home is a sanctuary that offers us a sense of security. It is a refuge from the chaos of the world – a space where we can lay down our burdens and feel safe. This safety isn’t just about locked doors and sturdy walls. It’s a deep-seated emotional comfort.
At ICPADS, we strive to emulate this feeling within our shelters. We create a secure environment for our guests, allowing them to take those crucial first steps toward rebuilding their lives.
Independence
Independence is another important aspect of a home. Home is a place where we can be our true selves, make our own decisions, and express our individuality. For those who find themselves homeless, this sense of independence can feel out of reach.
At ICPADS, we do have rules guests must follow, but we don’t micromanage. Meanwhile, as guests work through their case management goals, they regain a sense of independence.
Pride
A home also instills a sense of pride. It represents our hard work, decisions, and accomplishments. Keeping a home, maintaining it, and decorating it can bring a tremendous sense of achievement. It’s about more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about building a life.
At ICPADS, we foster a sense of pride through beautification efforts (like our annual spring clean-up, where we plant flowers and spruce up the exterior) and special projects (like our current Project Paint initiative, where we are planning to repaint our interior). We also give guests “chores” like sweeping the floors, cleaning tables, and taking out the garbage. This helps to keep our shelter beautiful and instills a sense of pride, dignity, and responsibility.
Connection
Lastly, a home nurtures connection. It’s the backdrop for our lives, the setting for shared experiences with family and friends. It’s where we celebrate life’s joys, weather its storms, and create cherished memories.
At ICPADS, we strive to foster a sense of connection and community, even within the transitory nature of our shelter. Our staff and volunteers know each guest’s name and genuinely care about how things are going in their lives. We strive to make our shelter a place of connection and compassion, where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
Home Is More Than a Place
At ICPADS, our goal isn’t just to provide temporary shelter and help guests find their own housing. We want to help them find ‘home’ in the truest sense of the word. We aim to restore the security, independence, pride, and connection associated with a home because these aspects are essential to human dignity and happiness.This is important work, and we can’t do it without you! If you’d like to partner with us, consider making a donation. A one-time or recurring donation helps to sustain our nonprofit and enables us to serve more guests. Join us in our mission, and be a part of the journey from shelter to home.