By Akki Patel
I recently returned from a trip that reminded me how powerful it is to feel welcomed—offered a place to stay, a warm meal, good conversation. I experienced generosity at every turn, and it struck me just how deeply tied our sense of well-being is to something as basic as having a place to belong.
That reflection hit harder once I got back home.
In cities and towns across the United States, we’re facing a crisis of homelessness that continues to grow. On any given night, more than 650,000 Americans are without a home. Some sleep in shelters, many in tents, cars, or on the streets. And behind every one of those individuals is a unique story—often shaped by job loss, illness, mental health challenges, domestic violence, or simply the rising cost of housing.
It’s easy to become desensitized. We pass by, we look away. But homelessness isn’t just a problem on the margins. It’s a national issue—one that reflects how we care for the most vulnerable among us.
As a business leader, I often think about systems—how to improve them, how to invest in them, how to make them more human-centered. And I believe our social systems should be no different. We can’t rely on short-term fixes or push the issue down the road. We need sustainable solutions that bring together government, private enterprise, and nonprofit partners to increase access to affordable housing, mental health support, and workforce development.
But beyond policy, there’s a human responsibility here, too.
My recent travels reminded me how fortunate I am—to have a home, a family, a career, a sense of purpose. And with that gratitude comes a responsibility to extend dignity and care to others who are struggling.
This isn’t about charity. It’s about community.
We all have a role to play—whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, supporting organizations that address homelessness, hiring someone who needs a second chance, or simply choosing to see people instead of ignoring them.At the end of the day, “home” is more than a place. It’s safety. It’s connection. It’s the chance to start again.
Let’s work together to make sure more people get that chance.