Almost Drowning
When I was young, I almost drowned. My pregnant mother was unable to reach me and also had my two year-old sister nearby. With her frantic screams, eventually someone ran to rescue me.
To this day, I still remember and am overly cautious near water, especially when kids are around.
But this is why:
➡️ I learned to swim, went on to get my scuba cert early in life, and now enjoy open ocean swimming.
➡️ I forced my kids to join swimming programs and then be on competitive swim clubs from grade school through high school. This became a new family sport for us.
➡️ All my kids are certified lifeguards and each summer work at community pools. Two of my three kids have saved other kids lives!
Why does this matter?
👉 There are traumas that are seen and unseen. But they are there.
👉 When you work in affordable housing, the level of insecurity and trauma people have experienced, manifests itself. Whatever way insecurity is defined - food, housing, job, family, race, justice - it's there.
👉 As much as the industry may want to "just provide" a roof, a compliant file, and an efficient process, much more is needed.
Yes, there is a way to learn, grow, and overcome traumas, but those paths don't just magically appear.
How can our industry do more than just issue the voucher and hope things work out? Or make sure the work order is turned quickly and hope everything in the home unit functions also?
Thinking about the extra hand that mentors, that rescues, that guides, that refers, that networks ...
What programs do you see making the most impact for holistic housing? Or programs you'd like to see? Or ways to redefine roles within housing?
