Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Posted on | by Marketing and Fundraising Team

In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow developed the idea that we have a Hierarchy of Needs.  His theory explains how we progress to reach our full potential and thrive. The first stage is to meet physiological needs, which people who are homeless focus every day to meet, just to survive. 

The hierarchy of needs can help us better understand how we can move out of crisis.  We all, from time to time, need support and carefully looking at his theory provides us with an idea of the kind of support we might need should we find ourselves homeless and to reach greater independence.

Physiological needs

Food, water, clothing, sleep, and shelter are the basic human needs for survival. For many people experiencing homelessness, each day consists of trying to meet these needs and often people in Nottingham who are homeless will look to charities like Emmanuel House Support Centre for the support they need.

The Access Team at Emmanuel House Support Centre and Drop-In and Shelter offer the following basic services:

  • Emotional support
  • Hot meals & drinks
  • Warm showers
  • Clean clothes, toiletries, sleeping bags & tents
  • Care of address
  • Mobile phone charge
  • Benefits advice & support with claims
  • Support arranging & attending appointments
  • Haircuts with a professional barber
  • Nottingham City Care’s Homeless Health Team clinic

Safety and security

Once a person’s basic needs are satisfied, the theory says the need for safety and security emerges. Many complex issues can prevent people experiencing homelessness, including poor educational attainment. lack of employment and no access to not having family or friends. Other contributors can include substance misuse, trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and mental or physical health challenges.  We know that being able to access long term secure and safe accommodation is key to supporting people to overcome challenges like these.

At Emmanuel House, 1-1 appointments with the staff based in Emmanuel House and outreach teams offer support to access physical and mental healthcare, benefit claims and suitable housing provision. Staff will also facilitate access into a hostel or supported accommodation, set people up with their own tenancies, mainly in the private rented sector or more long-term accommodation

Love and belonging

Human beings are social and we rely on each other to survive and thrive.

Emmanuel House offers support to the most vulnerable citizens in Nottingham without prejudice or judgement. People are supported to access the service that best suits their needs around mental health, substance misuse, domestic violence and offending histories, all contributing factors to homelessness. We are proud to work with a number of specialised services and agencies to support our beneficiaries. Wherever possible, we help people to reconnect either, with family and friends or to other nations or regions of the UK.

Emmanuel House has connections with over 130 support agencies and services in Nottingham to whom me make referrals and signpost.  Many people have experienced painful, damaging relationships in the past, so experiencing love and belonging is a critical step in recovery. We hope beneficiaries experience both, through the support we provide.

Esteem

Slowly gaining self-esteem and confidence means that people can work on building a healthy relationship with themselves and others.

We have a range of on-site activities designed to reduce social isolation and build confidence. These include art, computer, cooking and guitar sessions. We also partner with local organisations to offer allotment experience and singing sessions.

Our staff offer emotional support to reduce isolation and access to education, employment and community activities. These include volunteering opportunities in our Support Centre and on-site Charity Shop to develop self-esteem and skills.

Self-Actualisation

According to Maslow, and many more psychologists and philosophers agree, we are made for a purpose-driven life. For a person to reach their highest potential is extremely rewarding and can give meaning to the extremely challenging life experiences that many people face. This will look different and unique for each and every person.

At Emmanuel House we believe that each person is unique and of value, entitled to choose to make positive changes in their lives and support to reach their full potential.