Humans need a place to call home. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs puts this need in the category of basic physiological needs People need their needs fulfilled in order to achieve self-actualization and be happy and productive members of communities and societies. Unfortunately, many people are structurally denied access to the fulfilment of their basic needs. It is therefore a moral necessity to provide for the needs of other people and build places for people who need a place. There are many groups in our society whose needs often go unmet, such as people who are unhoused, those with disabilities, those on the margins of society, refugees and immigrants, and the elderly. It is up to us to create safe and secure housing for these people so that they can live what dignified lives.
Meeting the needs of those whose needs are not met by society
It is important to understand the needs of people who our society does not provide for. It is unrealistic to think that an off-grid intentional community with no income or wealth can meet all the needs of these groups, but there is a lot that we can do to make a huge difference in their lives. We must focus on what we can feasibly do and then ensure that these actions are taken up in a way which meets the needs of the people involved.
Groups in our society whose needs often go unmet
People who are unhoused are some of the most vulnerable and neediest people in society, and yet they are often overlooked. People with disabilities need accessible living spaces that accommodate their physical and mental limitations. People on the margins of society lack access to basic resources and support networks which would allow them to live stable lives. Refugees and immigrants often lack access to safe and secure housing as they transition into new countries. Finally, the elderly are often overlooked and unable to access the services they need to survive.
Building places for people who need a place
Universal accessibility must be a central goal in building these places. We must design living spaces that meet the needs of different kinds of people. This means building a community which provides the necessities to support a safe and healthy life such as food, water, and shelter. It also means doing that in a way that it is accessible to all kinds of people, including people with disabilities. We must ensure that those living in these places can do so in a dignified manner without being subjected to discrimination or judgement, and that what we are building does not increase the burden on those who most need a place to be.
The social benefits of providing basic needs for people whose needs are not met by society
Providing for people in need can create a more equitable society by ensuring that everyone has access to their basic needs. It is important to understand the moral and ethical arguments underlying the project, as these will inform how we approach providing for those who need it most. By creating places for people who need a place, we can make a huge difference in their lives in the short term and potentially open up opportunities for them in the long term.
Bringing it all Together
Creating places for people who need a place is an incredibly important endeavor. We must reflect on the importance of providing places for those who do not have access to safe and secure housing. We must understand that this project is ultimately about providing people with what they need to survive and thrive; it is not about economic growth or making money, but about creating a more equitable society where everyone’s basic needs are met.