While statistics and facts about the housing crisis and homelessness can be sobering, sometimes looking on the lighter side can be a welcome relief. In the work of building relationships and creating a sense of belonging, Indwell’s program staff often turn to humour when interacting with people who live at Indwell. Staff members Charity Katerenchuk and Rebecca Elliott spoke about how sharing a laugh can build connections.

“So much of who [residents] are and what they’ve needed to do to survive has been so serious, and I want to give them space to laugh and find joy,” says Charity, Program Supervisor at Railway City Lofts. “I’ve never been afraid to be silly and weird — mostly about myself — and this helps open a conversation where it’s okay to laugh at yourself.”

“A lot of our younger tenants respond better to a joking or sarcastic approach because they have so many other serious things in their lives,” says Rebecca, a Psychosocial Support Worker at Woodstock’s Blossom Park. “Humour can give tenants a break from paranoia or voices in their head — they live with that all day, every day. If they have a minute where they’re smiling, then I’ve accomplished something in my day.”

Joking can also be a good icebreaker when broaching sensitive topics. Charity once told a resident, “The snow’s still out and nothing is ripe and ready except for you.”  The resident hadn’t realized that their personal hygiene was deteriorating, and it opened the door to a conversation about other issues that were bothering him.

A joke can also help diffuse tension, Rebecca recalls. “Humour is a coping strategy. Even if it’s a hard, emotional conversation, humour can turn it around.”

Both Charity and Rebecca say they’re careful to save their jokes for the right time. “There’s a time and a place to be serious,” Charity says. “If you’re being serious and attentive where you need to be, there’s room for humour. Fun is more inviting.”