Coming Home: Why Housing Will Always Matter to Me

Homeownership & Housing
Written By Shirley Druyeh

Homeless

It’s been seven years since I last returned to Europe and the UK. Truthfully, I almost didn’t take this trip—but I’m so glad I did. Sometimes, going home is exactly what you need to remember who you are, where you come from, and what really matters.

This journey has given me clarity: time is short, and at this stage of my life, I want to live in alignment with my values. For me, one of those values is housing. A safe, stable home has always been at the centre of my story—and it’s why I care so much about helping others secure a place to call their own.

A Stark Reminder

One evening, while travelling home in the pitch dark, I saw a woman at a train station rummaging through a public bin. She was eating scraps, phone in hand, telling someone that she had no other choice because she hadn’t eaten since her last meal.

I didn’t have cash on me to help her, and it broke my heart. It was a confronting reminder of the privilege I live with today and how easy it is to take stability for granted.

The Sacrifices That Shaped Me

When I was younger, we didn’t have much. My parents made countless sacrifices to give me and my siblings the best life they could. I remember the 1980s recession in the UK vividly. When my dad lost his job, we lost our home. The impact was irreversible—my parents were never able to own a home again.

That experience left a deep imprint on me. I’ve carried it into adulthood, worrying about where my parents would live in their later years. Thankfully, things worked out, and today they are content and happy. Staying with them on this trip has reminded me that joy often comes from simplicity, not possessions.

Why Housing Matters So Deeply

A stable home is more than bricks and mortar—it’s a foundation for life. It provides safety, dignity, and the ability to focus on other areas of growth and joy. Without it, everything else feels precarious.

I worry about how today’s housing crisis affects single people in particular. Society is still built around couples and families, but many people now live alone, either by choice or circumstance. Women, who often live longer than men, are especially vulnerable if they’re unprepared for old age without a stable home.

Housing insecurity has ripple effects. Living in the wrong place or losing a stable base can expose people to cycles of disadvantage—whether that’s poor health, unsafe environments, or lack of opportunity.

My Hope

Everyone deserves a fair chance at a stable home. Like water, it’s essential to survival and to building a meaningful life. Once you stop worrying about a roof over your head, you’re free to turn your attention to joy, creativity, contribution, and connection.

That’s why housing isn’t just my professional interest—it’s personal. It’s part of my story, my family’s story, and my purpose.

👉 What does home mean to you? And how has it shaped your journey?

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Homeless - Once I was like you

Books & Resources That Helped Me Rewire My Financial Thinking

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute personal financial, legal, or investment advice. The insights provided reflect the author’s personal perspective as a property owner and Quantity Surveyor, and are not tailored to your individual circumstances. You should seek independent, licensed advice before making any financial or property-related decisions.

Shirley Druyeh

Shirley Druyeh is a writer, creator, and quantity surveyor redefining what work and wealth look like. Based in Sydney, Australia, she is Ghanaian and British—born in Ghana, raised in the UK, and now an Australian citizen. She writes about financial freedom, homeownership, identity, and the journey of redesigning your life—one decision at a time. Her work explores the intersections of money, independence, womanhood, and what it means to build a meaningful life beyond the 9–5.

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