The Home that Holds Us: Defining Who We Are

Although homes come in many forms, they all have one thing in common: they shape us and our identity. In the building we call home, a story is formed by memories, tears, and the struggles we shared as a family—together as a whole, not as separate pieces. Growing up, my home was filled with laughter. It taught me the importance of being patient and calm, as well as being kind and caring to those around me. It was also where I first learned to walk and talk, the very first steps in discovering who I am. As I grew older, my perception of home began to change. When my sister was born, I had to adjust to a new environment that felt unfamiliar. This change taught me responsibility, patience, and how to care for someone other than myself. While my home had changed, I was still fortunate to have a place to return to, a place that grounded me even as life shifted around me. For many people, however, home is not something they can rely on. Seeing people without a home made me realize how much I had taken my own for granted. Homelessness is more than the absence of a house; it is the loss of stability, food, safety, belonging, and sense of self. Reflecting on my experience, I understand that home is far more than walls or a roof—it is the foundation of who we are. It is where we grow, where we are loved, and where we learn to care for others. Losing that sense of home is heartbreaking, and it has taught me to treasure every moment in spaces that nurture me while holding compassion for those still searching for a place to belong. Home shapes us and reminds us of both gratitude and responsibility.