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.

They may be inspired to keep appointments with case managers to work on their resume and secure steady work and get their own housing. On the flipside, volunteers come to understand through these interactions that not everyone has the same access to financial resources to solve their problems and may start appreciating things they often take for granted.

This holds true to our communities. Communities with a diverse economic make-up result in schools with “economically poorer” children socializing and becoming friends with children from more affluent families. This economic connectedness may result in a child being introduced to a friend’s mother who is a brain surgeon, and they may aspire to continue their education and make their own impact in the medical field. This is a perfect example of how social capital, through diverse relationships in people’s lives, can help shape aspirations and career goals.

Many of our food group volunteers are teenagers. This is by design as the coordinators of the various church or school groups want these teens to not only give back to those less fortunate, but to also understand how lucky they are, and open their minds and reach across (invisible) social-economic boundary lines.

At ImmaCare, our mission states in part our desire to “build a more vibrant community…” by “…increasing the skills, income and hope of those who struggle with housing crisis.” It’s because of the support of our generous funders, supporters, and volunteers that, more than 40 years since our inception, ImmaCare continues to provide life-changing services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

• $1,000 will help offset the shelter’s utility costs for two weeks
• $500 will help keep someone in permanent supportive housing for one week, including providing vital case management services
• $250 will help keep the Mobile Outreach Van running for two weeks
• $150 will help cover community activities for agency clients for one week
• $50 will help provide meals for shelter clients for one day

Please give what you can to help us continue our mission.

Sincerely,

Lou Gilbert
Executive Director