What Is a Home?

A home is defined in a dictionary as “one’s place of residence, especially as a member of a family or household.” A more personal view of a home can be described as one’s emotional connection and sense of belonging, not just to a physical space but also to the people that fill it. A home can be anywhere from a house, apartment or a yurt to a family vacation spot or even a virtual space. The most important factor is that the place or people you call home satisfies your mental, physical, and spiritual needs.

For many, home is where the heart is. In a world that can be so stressful and fast-paced, having a safe and peaceful place to relax is vital. Whether it is the familiar smell of baking cookies or the feel of your favorite blanket, home is that one special place where you can let go of the outside world and just be.

While we all have our own ideas of what home is, there are some common themes that run throughout. Home is a place where you are loved and accepted. It is the one place where you can be completely yourself without being judged. It is where you can forget about an overbearing boss or a frustrating coworker. It is where you can curl up with a good book and forget about your problems for just a little while.

Despite the fact that home can be in many places, for most it means the place where they live. It can be a small cottage in the middle of the forest or a cozy old house with lots of memories. For some, it is the place where they have all of their family members living close by. Home is where they can feel supported and loved, and it is where they can go to find strength when they need it.

For those who are homeless, home is a place where they can be safe and have an opportunity to build a life for themselves. A lot of the time, a person who is homeless is treated as a pariah by the community, which makes it hard for them to find and maintain a job or make connections in their community. When they are able to find a stable home, it can change their lives for the better and give them the foundation they need to be productive members of society.

For homeowners, the feeling of being at home is more than just a physical space. It is a feeling of comfort, joy from being around your loved ones, and an opportunity to make a difference in your neighborhood. Studies show that kids of homeowners have higher reading and math scores and are more likely to graduate college. Homeowners also tend to stay in their communities for four times longer than renters, which allows them to get involved with local organizations and work toward making their neighborhoods better places to live.