Waking up to a home that offers functionality and cleanliness seems like the norm for many of us, but for some, is a struggle too big to tackle. This week on Room by Room: The Home Organization Science Insights Podcast, host Sarah Stancombe consults researcher Dr. Stella C. Sabi on the relationship between substandard living conditions and food insecurity, and the small steps people can take to reorganize their home. 

Dr. Stella C. Sabi obtained her doctorate in Food Security from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. She has presented her research findings at several local and international platforms including the first SA Higher Education Colloquium on Food Insecurity at Universities, The “9th Annual Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Conference”, and the “2016 New York City International Academic Conference on Education & Social Sciences”. With a background in Policy and Development Studies, Dr. Stella C. Sabi has authored scientific peer-reviewed journals and book chapters on food security, land policy, and HIV/AIDS-treatment policy advocacy.  

In this episode, Dr. Stella C. Sabi stresses the misconception that those living in squalor are lazy. Often, people’s living conditions are reduced due to factors outside of their control, such as a mental or physical health condition. In reality, people are ashamed of their substandard living conditions and thus isolate themselves from society for fear of judgement.

Together, Sarah and Dr. Stella C. Sabi discuss how more well-off people can assist in helping those in squalor both with cleaning and with food security. When offering food, those living with food insecurity deserve a choice as you never know what food allergies or intolerances they may have. Ultimately, networking and community is the best way for those living in squalor to help themselves. 

Follow Dr. Stella C. Sabi’s work by searching her name on Google Scholar

Connect with Dr. Stella C. Sabi via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-stella-c-sabi-77375557/ 

Room by Room is produced by the Home Organization Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Follow us on Social Media to stay updated:

You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: