Finding Belonging After Homelessness: The Power of Meaningful Activities

by Jon Scaccia October 21, 2024

Transitioning from homelessness to stable housing brings profound changes, but one significant hurdle often remains: the struggle to belong. While housing is an essential first step, it doesn’t immediately grant individuals a sense of being valued, included, or connected to their community. According to new research published in PLOS ONE, engaging in meaningful activities is a key factor in helping formerly homeless individuals feel a sense of belonging and connection in their new environment. This study dives into the lived experiences of individuals making this transition, revealing how financial constraints, societal exclusion, and relationships—both human and non-human—affect their journey toward belonging.

Why Belonging Matters

Belonging is more than just feeling included; it’s about being valued and finding a place in the world. For people who have experienced homelessness, this can be particularly challenging. Housing alone doesn’t automatically foster this sense of connection. Social exclusion, financial insecurity, and health issues can persist even after obtaining stable housing, making it difficult for individuals to rejoin society as “regular” members. But here’s the silver lining: engaging in meaningful activities—those that bring joy, purpose, or connection—offers a pathway toward belonging, according to this study.

Participants in the research shared that their involvement in activities with others, whether it was chatting with neighbors, attending meetings, or volunteering, fostered a sense of connection and community. Some even found belonging through non-human connections, like caring for pets or spending time in nature. These activities became anchors in their lives, offering more than just a way to fill time—they helped participants rebuild their identity and reclaim their place in the world.

Human Connection: Rebuilding Relationships and Finding Support

Human relationships are at the heart of fostering a sense of belonging. The participants in this study described feeling a sense of identity and inclusion when spending time with people who genuinely cared about them. For many, building or rebuilding relationships—whether with family, chosen family, or community members—was a major part of their journey to belonging.

One participant, Annabella, shared how she had to intentionally invest time in building her own family since her biological family wasn’t emotionally available. “My family is not someone I’ve ever been able to lean on emotionally, so I’ve had to create my own family,” she said. Similarly, Nola found that spending time with her siblings, whether shopping or going out for lunch, helped her reconnect with them and herself.

Many participants also found a connection through activities with others who had shared experiences, such as attending support groups or engaging in sober social activities. Michelle, for example, talked about the sense of community she built with people in recovery. “I find my meetings help me get out of my head and realize I’m not alone,” she said. Engaging with others in similar circumstances helped participants feel seen and less isolated.

Social Exclusion: The Challenge of Feeling Like a “Regular Member of Society”

Despite the positive effects of these connections, participants often struggled with feeling like they belonged to mainstream society. Employment, volunteering, and having a daily routine were ways many individuals hoped to reintegrate. However, health issues, disabilities, and financial barriers limited their ability to participate in regular activities. “Being able to make money is so hard that it seems like I’m not part of the world,” said Bruce, reflecting on how financial insecurity affected his sense of belonging.

For those who were able to work or volunteer, the experience was transformative. Nola described how being employed made her feel like she was where she was meant to be, and others found meaning in giving back to their community, offering peer support or volunteering. “I’m somebody who likes to be hands-on,” Michelle said, explaining her motivation to give back after receiving support during her own recovery journey.

Still, the participants highlighted a need for more accessible, low-cost opportunities to engage in meaningful activities, especially for those with disabilities or financial limitations. Annabella’s words captured this challenge: “Rich people buy places close to nature, but if you’re experiencing poverty, you don’t have that choice.”

Non-Human Connection: Finding Comfort in Pets and Nature

For some, the strongest sense of belonging came not from people but from animals and nature. Pets, in particular, played a central role in participants’ lives, offering companionship, responsibility, and emotional support. Casey’s cats were her family. “When I am agitated, I can pet them, and it calms me,” she shared. Caring for a pet gave many participants a sense of purpose and routine, helping them feel grounded in their new homes.

Nature also provided solace. Ocean Breeze, who struggled with substance use, found a sense of peace sitting by the water. “I go to the water a lot and sit down. I used to go on nature walks, but I’ve lost the motivation,” they said, reflecting on how nature once helped them feel connected and rejuvenated.

However, participants pointed out that financial constraints often limited access to nature or the ability to care for pets. For those living on fixed incomes, affording pet care or living near green spaces was out of reach. “If you’re poor, you don’t get the luxury of living near parks,” Annabella said, highlighting the stark inequalities that shape one’s ability to belong in different environments.

Overcoming the Barriers to Belonging

The findings of this study underscore the importance of creating opportunities for individuals transitioning out of homelessness to engage in meaningful activities. Whether through community programs, accessible transportation, or affordable housing near social spaces, these supports can help individuals rebuild their social capital and find a sense of belonging.

But the journey doesn’t stop at simply offering activities. Policymakers, service providers, and community members need to address the root causes of exclusion, such as income inequality and societal stigma, which continue to hinder the full reintegration of formerly homeless individuals into society.

Join the Conversation

What activities help you feel a sense of belonging? How can communities better support individuals transitioning from homelessness to rebuild their social connections? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion on social media.

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