The Many Places That We Call Home

My family’s story is told through many homes around the world, tracing a long journey from Somalia, India, and England to the United States and Canada. My mom’s dad lived in a small hut in rural Somalia surrounded by camels and goats. My dad’s grandparents lived in a bungalow in the bustling city of Mumbai, India. My mom grew up in a small apartment in England along the River Lune. I live in a house in Canada, with dark green vines curling around the fences and climbing the sides. Each place was different, but each one was home. People live in many kinds of homes. Some live in houses, apartments, and condos. Some live in cottages, trailers, or houseboats. Some even live in tipis or igloos. Some people lose their homes because they don’t have a job or because of wars and natural disasters. They may end up living in tents, in their cars, with friends, or on the streets. They may live in places that are not safe or comfortable. My family’s journey has taught me that what matters most is not what a home looks like, but how it feels. A home should give you safety and security, love and belonging, comfort and respect. That’s why Habitat for Humanity does such important work, helping people build not just houses, but places where families can feel at home and create happy memories.