Module 6B: Three Homes

To explore the concept of the "three homes" of our lives – the self, one’s living space, and the larger community – and to identify ways to help clients become more "at home" in these three dimensions

The learning activities in this section are designed to engage participants with the subject material using informative and interactive approaches. Instructors will need to determine which, if not all, of these activities to carry out depending on a) participants’ learning needs and interests, b) the focus of the training, and c) time available.

Instructors are encouraged to prepare for each activity by reviewing the handouts to be given to participants and by reading the recommended resource papers and materials that are listed. These papers and materials, along with other relevant resources, will provide useful background information to assist in fulfilling the purpose of this section. The amount of time suggested for each activity should be adjusted as needed.

Purpose: To explore the richness of the concept of home and point to the role of outreach in helping people move towards "home" in three dimensions

Time: 30 minutes

Materials: Handout: Three Homes

Preparation:

Read the handout in advance and become familiar with its content. It is preferable that participants also read it in advance of the session.

Procedure:

1. Provide an overview of the "three homes" concept, assuming participants have read the handout in advance. (If not, consider reading it as part of the activity).

2. Solicit participants’ comments about the usefulness of thinking about "home" in these three dimensions.

3. Engage in a more in-depth discussion by posing the following questions:

• In the past twenty-four hours, what specific activities have you undertaken that relate to the care and maintenance of your "first home"? Your "second home"? Your "third home"?

• How would your ability to carry out these activities be affected if you were living in a shelter or on the street?

• What are some specific ways that you might assist a person experiencing homelessness to feel increasingly "at home" in their first, second, and third homes? (Also see Activities 2-4 in this section.)

Purpose: To identify specific ways for outreach workers to encourage clients to become more "at home" in the physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social aspects of their lives

Time: 15-20 minutes

Materials: Handout: "Healthier Self" Care Plan

Preparation:

Review the Three Homes handout from Activity 1 in this section, paying particular attention to the section on the "first home." Also, review the Self-Assessment Tool: Self-Care handout from Module 2B.

Review and consider completing the "Healthier Self" Care Plan handout for yourself as a way of preparing for this activity.

Procedure:

1. Provide a brief review as needed regarding the notion of the "first home" and state the purpose of this activity as noted above.

2. Distribute the handout to all participants. Explain that this form can be used as a tool to help clients address some of the issues related to their own self-care care once they have achieved relative stability in their lives, especially in housing, income, and access to needed health and social services.

3. Divide the group into pairs. One partner assumes the role of the outreach worker and the other is the client who is fairly stable but with limited resources. The two simulate a conversation that might occur in the mutuality phase of relationship in which they are working together on a self-care plan for the client. The worker is to facilitate the process in a client-centered manner. Have the client complete the form in writing in his/her own words. The worker can provide ideas and comments as appropriate. Allow 8-10 minutes for this step.

4. Bring the group back together and discuss briefly how this tool, or a similar process, might be used most effectively for the benefit of clients in the mutuality phase of the outreach and engagement relationship.

Purpose: To identify areas in which outreach workers can assist clients in becoming more "at home" in their own living space/housing.

Time: 15-20 minutes

Materials:

• Handout: Making a House a Home – A through Z

• Prizes for contest winners

Preparation:

Review the Three Homes handout from Activity 1 in this section, paying particular attention to the section on the "second home." Take a look at the Making a House a Home handout and consider filling it out yourself to become familiar with the activity.

Procedure:

1. Provide a brief review as needed regarding the notion of the "second home" and state the purpose of this activity as noted above. Emphasize that maintaining housing and creating a nurturing living environment requires a great deal of time, energy, and creativity. Workers who have the opportunity to continue relating to clients who are stably housed can assist clients in developing this "second home."

2. Set up a contest in which teams (pairs or small groups of participants) compete with one another. Distribute one handout to each team. The idea is for each team to write down as many items or functions that they can think of per the instructions on the handout. Teams are given a limited time period for the contest – approximately 5 minutes (or shorter or longer as desired).

3. At the end of the timed contest, give out various frivolous or inexpensive prizes to teams for such things as: greatest number of items A through Z, most ridiculous response, most creative answer, best response for the letters X, Y, and Z, and so forth. Have fun with it!

4. Close the activity by reminding participants that in the mutuality phase it is important to explore with clients how things are going with maintaining their housing and creating a safe, nurturing living space. This may also include talking about client’s intimacy needs and close relationships. Use this activity as a reminder to discuss these matters with clients not only in general terms, but also in detail as appropriate.

Purpose: To identify various ways and means for outreach workers to help clients experience a greater sense of place and belonging in the community

Time: 15-20 minutes

Materials: Flipchart, markers

Preparation:

Review the Three Homes handout from Activity 1 in this section, paying particular attention to the section on the "third home."

Procedure:

1. Give a brief review as needed of the "third home" concept and state the purpose of this activity as noted above. Emphasize the importance for people who have experienced homelessness to be able to be restored to, or discover for the first time, a sense of place and belonging in the larger community.

2. Begin by having the group identify various ways one might participate in the life of a community including making use of resources and services. Write these on a flipchart. Examples may include: education, using transportation, employment, volunteering, parks and recreation, purchasing food and goods, accessing health and social services, religious affiliations, being a neighbor, responsibilities of citizenship, advocacy, political involvement, participation in organizations/clubs, travel, the arts, participation in community events, etc.

3. After creating a representative list, choose several of the topics to discuss in greater detail. With each topic, invite participants to think of specific options or ways by which outreach workers might assist clients in becoming more "at home" in the community in which they live. Below are some suggested questions you might ask to jump-start the discussion:

• How would you explain to a client who has just moved into an apartment what it means to be a "good neighbor" to those who live next door or in the same building?

• How would you explain what it means to be a "good neighbor" or "responsible citizen" in the larger neighborhood or community?

• Where are the best and most affordable places to shop for groceries, clothing, household items, etc. in the community?

• What are the best options for getting around? How does the public transportation system work?

• What employment opportunities exist? Where are good places in the community to work as a volunteer?

• Where are good places to go play? What are the more appealing and affordable recreation opportunities available?

• How does one go about signing up to take classes, get a GED, learn a hobby, or learn a trade?

• What opportunities exist in the community for lower income people to express themselves artistically?

• Is there a place where community members can garden if they don’t have access to their own land?

• Which religious or civic groups are most welcoming to lower income people?

• And so forth …

4. Close the activity by reemphasizing the importance of the role of the worker throughout the outreach and engagement relationship, and especially in the mutuality phase, to pay attention to helping clients find a rightful place in the community.

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This project was funded through a Cooperative Agreement with the Health Care for the Homeless Branch, Division of Programs for Special Populations of the Bureau of Primary Health Care/HRSA January 2002.