Although Benei Yisrael have been in the wilderness since leaving Egypt, the construction of the mishkan marks a turning point in their way of living there.  Parashat BeMidbar maps out the concentric encampment around the mishkan, as opposed to the somewhat haphazard configuration of tents that preceded it.  God’s presence in the center of the camp becomes a kind of anchor, providing a sense of stability and protection to His people who were homeless and wandering.  God provides for His people when they cannot provide for themselves. The way that God supports His people throughout the journey to their own home and homeland provides an important template for what it means to do hakhnasat orhim, to provide for the needs of others while they are vulnerable, when they need your home to be theirs.