Habitat Japan’s domestic housing support program, Project HomeWorks (PHW), benefits the elderly, those with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups who may find difficulty maintaining or improving their living conditions on their own. PHW operates with the help of volunteers who clean and organize under the supervision of the homeowner and additionally provides storage and bedding as necessary. 

“It feels amazing. Thank you so much.” 

The above quotation comes from Matsui-san (alias), whom Habitat provided a complete set of new bedding. Matsui-san is in their forties and suffers from a mental illness. Compounded by physical illnesses, Matsui-san has trouble cleaning up after himself, often leaving food containers and plastic bottles to pile around their living space leading to unsanitary living conditions. 

  • Before

  • After

Based on these poor conditions, support for Matsui-san's case was confirmed and together with two volunteers we visited their home in December. Matsui-san was in a weak state, unable to stand or even sit up on their own for long without support. Volunteers worked to clear a space where Matsui-san could lean against the wall to rest as they began working to clean the apartment. 

First, the bedding laid out in the center of the room was carried out and disposed of, including an old and worn futon, comforter, and blankets. Doing so opened space in the center of the room, from which volunteers advanced, picking up trash, organizing items to keep and sorting items to throw away. Volunteers consulted with the homeowner before disposing of each item, but doing so could also quickly exhaust Matsui-san in his state. Keeping careful watch of Matsui-san's energy, volunteers took short breaks as they continued thoughtfully sorting through belongings. 

From here, two of Matsui-san's carers joined, and the now five-person team mopped the floor and set up a new set of donated bedding. Putting the futon, comforter, and pillows in their covers and laying them in the center of the room, Matsui-san laid down on their new bedding for the first time, expressing their comfort and gratitude.  

Nagaosa-san, leader of Aoyama Gakuin University’s Habitat campus chapter, joined this session and shared“It was very rewarding seeing the homeowner’s smiling face at the end of the session. The opportunity mad eme realize that there are still many social issues and challenges that I am unaware of or haven’t seen before.” 

With this session, Habitat Japan’s support of Matsui-san's case has come to an end. Moving forward, Matsui-san will work closely with his care workers to continue receiving proper medical treatment, utilize all socialservices available, and to maintain their improved living environment.  
 
Project HomeWorks is made possible with the help of volunteers. To learn how you can join, check here.