🏠 The Hidden Abundance of Unused Space

When you begin to look closely, it’s astonishing how much empty, heated, well-equipped space exists all around us — while, at the very same time, so many people have nowhere safe to rest.

Churches sit locked and silent 90% of the time, though they already have washrooms, kitchens, and warm halls designed for gathering. Businesses close their doors each evening, leaving entire buildings unused through the night. Community centres — meant to serve the public — often remain dark while people sleep outside their walls through long, freezing winters. Even countless private homes have rooms, basements, or attics that are rarely entered, while others nearby have nowhere to lay their head.

The truth is, we don’t have a housing shortage — we have a space-usage problem.

Imagine if every organization, faith community, or homeowner completed a simple “Space Usage Report.” It would measure how much of their space sits unused and how it could serve those in need — even for something as simple as providing a few hours or a night of safe, warm rest.

Such a system could spark a cultural shift: transforming idle buildings into micro-havens, and bringing dormant generosity to life. It wouldn’t require massive funding or bureaucracy — only awareness, coordination, and the willingness to share what already exists.

This is where the Healing Havens Initiative comes in. By mapping underused spaces and connecting them to those who need them, we could create a living network of sanctuaries across cities and towns — churches alive with compassion every day of the week, offices that double as rest spaces after hours, and homes that become part of a greater solution.

The resources are already here. We just have to reimagine how we use them.

🏡 Healing Havens Space Usage Report & Reflection Form

Purpose:Many of us have more space than we realize — rooms, buildings, or areas that sit unused for most of the day or week. By reflecting on how your space is used, you can discover new ways to create comfort, community, and healing for others.

Completing this form is the first step toward turning your home, property, or facility into a Healing Haven.

1. About You

• Name:

• Address / Location of Space:

• Contact Info:

• Type of Space: ☐ Home ☐ Church ☐ Business ☐ Community Centre ☐ Other: _______

• What inspired you to fill this out?

2. Space Overview

How many rooms or areas do you have that are unused or rarely used?

☐ 1 ☐ 2–3 ☐ 4+ ☐ Not sure

When are these spaces mostly unused?

☐ Daytime ☐ Evenings ☐ Overnight ☐ Weekends ☐ Seasonal

Which facilities exist in your space?

☐ Washroom ☐ Kitchen ☐ Heat ☐ Electricity ☐ Shower ☐ Internet ☐ Outdoor area

Are there any safety concerns (stairs, mold, insulation, etc.)?☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Unsure

3. Openness to Hosting

Would you consider offering:

☐ A single night of safe rest

☐ A longer-term healing stay

☐ A private room

☐ Shared space

☐ Outdoor space (tiny home, yurt, tent site, etc.)

Do you currently live in the space?

☐ Yes ☐ No

If yes, would you be comfortable sharing your home with someone in need?

☐ Yes ☐ Maybe ☐ Not sure yet

What support would help you feel ready to host (training, help with costs, etc.)?

4. Energy of the Space

• How would you describe the feeling of your space? (e.g. peaceful, cluttered, cold, warm, quiet, creative, etc.)

• What would you need to make it feel more like a sanctuary?

• Are there areas that could easily be transformed into rest spaces (sofa, basement, spare room, hall)?

5. Reflection & Vision

Have you ever welcomed someone in need into your home or facility before?

☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not yet, but I’d like to.

How do you feel about transforming part of your space into a Healing Haven?(Use 2–3 sentences.)

What kind of person or group would you most like to support?(e.g. youth, elders, single mothers, artists, people healing from trauma, etc.)

6. Next Steps

Once you complete this form:

1. A Healing Havens team member will connect with you to discuss possibilities.

2. You’ll receive a short guide on how to prepare your space safely and beautifully.

3. You’ll be added to our Haven Scouts Network — helping us match people in need with available spaces.