A Home Beyond Bricks: Addressing Accommodation, Mental Health, and Purpose

A stone narrowly missed my car as I waited at a traffic light. In a flash of anger, I turned to see where it came from. There, sprawled on the pavement, was a middle-aged man in tattered clothes, a sore festering on his left foot, his right wrapped in a dirty plastic bag. His matted hair and wild, angry eyes matched the expletives he hurled, along with objects, at another unkempt man perched on a rubbish bin nearby. Not far off, a younger person shuffled along in a torn t-shirt, a hoodie, and no pants. At the next traffic light, another man rummaged through bins, collecting scraps to survive.

These are the unseen—people society often overlooks. Driving to an open day at Tafta Lodge, this scene was a stark reminder of a universal truth: everyone needs a place to call home. At the open day, our area manager, Yougendrie, spoke passionately about the concept of a "forever home." It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about relationships, community, activities, and engagement. A home is a space where you are seen, where you live with purpose and identity.

The contrast couldn’t be clearer. For those without access to adequate, affordable housing, the street becomes their home. Mental health issues go unaddressed, and they fade into the margins, becoming the unseen. In a world obsessed with “more” and “never enough,” I’m left wondering: what will it take to activate our humanity? As the so-called superior beings at the top of the food chain, why have we evolved into a “me first” mindset that leaves so many behind?

Yet, amidst this reflection, I found hope. Carmel, who had been hosting focus groups with elders at our building, shared inspiring insights. These elders aren’t just asking for volunteers to do tasks; they’re stepping up, saying, “This is what I can do to help.” Their willingness to contribute and make a difference is a powerful example for us all.

Today, May 17th, is a heavy day for me. It marks the anniversary of the last time my mother left our home for a hospital check-up, only to return nine days later wrapped in her shroud. Each year, I relive those nine days, grappling with my own mental health and the emotions tied to that loss. But I also think of the man on the pavement, his burden of unseen struggles, and the hopeful eyes of potential residents at our buildings. A home is more than a roof—it’s a foundation for dignity, connection, and purpose.

We have the power to do better. Let’s stop turning away from the unseen. Let’s advocate for affordable housing, prioritize mental health support, and foster communities where everyone can live with purpose. Together, we can redefine what “home” means and ensure no one is left on the margins.

Call to Action:
Take a moment to see the unseen in your community. Volunteer with local organizations that provide housing or mental health support. Advocate for policies that prioritize affordable housing and accessible mental health care. Share this message to spark conversations about building communities where everyone has a place to belong. Start today—because every small action counts toward a future where no one is invisible.