Module 1: Loss of Home & Possessions
Why it’s important to acknowledge this loss
One of the first things to remember is that you are allowed to grieve the loss of your home and other material objects. You should not pressure yourself to “be grateful” or “move on.” Most people don’t even allow themselves to pay attention to grief, as you will have to go into survival mode and minimize emotional response so you can get through it. Your home is more than a structure. It holds memories, routines, identity, and a sense of safety. Losing possessions can feel like losing pieces of yourself or your history.
Grief after a disaster can come and go. You might start to feel better, and then it can return while replacing items or noticing what’s gone. That’s a normal part of healing.
Try to let those waves come without judging yourself - there’s no timeline for grief and no need to explain how you feel. If it feels heavy, reach out to an Our Front Porch recovery specialist. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Some typical grief responses are the following:
Loss of a pet or animal