“It takes a village to raise a child” - An African proverb. It also takes a village to build a community. As you extend hospitality for a person in crisis, you should not do it alone. Your network of friends and family are an important access to support and even self-care.

 

Responsibility can be shared. As you learn to specify areas of support that are needed for a person-in-crisis, it gives your friends and family members the opportunity to extend them. They can be in your inner circle of support, and/or help with befriending, preparation of meals, job search, tuition (if your guest is still a student). There are many means of support. 

 

Also, consider what supports your guest may already have access to.  In some cases, your guest may have a social worker working with them, or may be supported by an NGO or government agency. Working with these partners can help  increase clarity of the needs, and encourage a more collaborative/collective support from the community. Together, we can provide  a far more holistic approach to care and re-building of the person-in-crisis.

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