This past December saw record-breaking cold snaps sweeping across the country, with some states experiencing their coldest temperatures in over 20 years. Many huddled in their homes, awaiting the cold break to pass and looking forward to celebrating a warm holiday with loved ones.

But this was not the experience for the homeless population across the country. Gripped by frigid temperatures, many are sleeping on hard concrete or asphalt covered by snow and ice, and the reality of a warm home seems impossibly far away. During a season that can be characterized by intensified feelings of loneliness and hardship, even basic survival more harrowing in circumstances such as freezing weather and a lack of resources.

Moreover, many people in these circumstances suffer from what we call “relational poverty” — a lack of safe and stabilizing relationships. However, as many create resolutions determined to begin the year on good footing, this New Year can — and should — be a catalyst for change regarding our unhoused neighbors.

Consider Candy, a woman with a profound story. Candy found herself searching for identity, using alcohol and drugs as a way to cope, which only intensified after the death of her father. When she could no longer hold down a job, she ended up on the streets. She felt deeply alone, as tragically many do.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Support for individuals struggling in our communities can start with a simple smile, a kind word, or even involving them in our plans. But efforts can, and should, go further.

Together, we must commit to addressing the root causes. We must commit to building and becoming a resilient, wrap-around community where people struggling can maintain a secure home — both physically and relationally.

Whole-person healing is vital for those experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction. Homelessness is not caused by just one factor or bad decision. It’s often attributed to limited resources that compound after unfortunate circumstances, like trauma or loss.

Those experiencing homelessness often have very few, if any, healthy relationships. In this way, homelessness overlaps profoundly with addiction.

The root causes of both are closely intertwined with relational poverty. When a person lacks trusted connections and healthy support systems, challenging circumstances compound.

As such, addressing relational poverty is a key component of the holistic emotional healing that makes long-term life change possible. Providing programs that include and cultivate personal connections is essential.

Even shelters that are designed with trauma-informed care in mind aid in the holistic healing of an individual. Open designs to help promote transparency and trust, clear signage easing the stress of a new environment, and areas that contain personal lighting and lockable storage all help cultivate an atmosphere of safety, respect, and autonomy.

We believe that solving issues like addiction and homelessness requires more than a 12-step program or a bed for the night. The goal to meet every individual with whole-person healing should go beyond programs.

Statistics show that over 48 million Americans struggle with substance use or addiction, which means that most of us know someone in this or a similar situation. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye.

Even the seemingly small act of looking someone in their eyes, seeing and acknowledging their humanity, and dignifying them with respect can create a ripple effect of transformation.

Candy’s healing began in just this way.

One night, a woman approached her and told her that God hadn’t forgotten about her. Candy tried to brush her off, but they talked until the morning. Then, the woman took Candy to Restoration House, a shelter in Atlanta.

From the moment she walked in, Candy knew this place was different. The staff spoke to her with respect and encouragement. She was treated as if she were a friend. Her first night, she cried herself to sleep out of happiness and relief.

Candy stayed for a month, then chose to continue her healing at a longer-term shelter. There, she met with an advocate who addressed Candy’s drug use and lovingly — but firmly — told her she needed to take a hard look at herself and her circumstances.

Feeling challenged but also deeply cared for, Candy willingly accepted help in making lasting change. The compassionate care and loving support of people she trusted allowed Candy to finally confront her shame, guilt, and grief of her past. She reconnected with her family and her faith and has learned new ways of thinking about herself.

A significant depth of relationship and emotional maturity is required for those willing to support and uplift people struggling with these issues. We must be willing to stay with them at their most vulnerable. When people like Candy know they’re not alone, it makes all the difference.

Opportunities for this kind of support abound, especially now. As we enter a New Year, this moment is a great time to reach out to someone in need. We can begin or strengthen connections that will help carry the people who most need loving, intentional relationships through the rest of the year.

Together, let’s work towards happy, healthy, and healed lives.

Tensley Almand is the president and CEO of Atlanta Mission.