The space between homelessness and homefulness

You know that feeling of uncertainty when you’re leaving something behind? It might be a job, a home, or a relationship you’ve outgrown. You’re choosing to make the change, but it’s still scary.

And there’s a term for it – “liminal state”. It means the feeling of uncertainty created by significant life changes. It’s a transition between ‘what was’ and ‘what will be’.

That’s often how people feel when they’re moving between homelessness and homefulness.

It might sound strange because homelessness isn’t a choice. But for many people, it is a familiar state of being and that’s what can be so hard to leave behind.

As one person recently shared with us:

“Being housed is one of the hardest challenges I have faced… homelessness is not a state of housing but a state of mind. Even housed, I am still somehow homeless. Let me explain.

After 10 years, the streets and drop-in centres became what I knew, a daily routine, existing for survival… The time I have been housed, the silence has been deafening.

I have had to now process and deal with 10 years on the street of so much that happened, the things I learned, saw, those who died… it never goes away.”

That’s why Hutt St Centre’s approach to ending homelessness is through homefulness. It’s the feeling of safety, control and confidence that comes with having a place you choose to call home.

It’s about building resilience, independence, and a community to catch you when you feel like everything is falling apart. It’s a right everyone deserves.

And your support is opening up a world of possibilities for people who are ready for ‘what will be’.

Thank you to the person who bravely shared their experience of life after homelessness. We heard your words and felt them deeply.