I have lived in poor housing for years now through a combination of council and private. I've had to deal with damp, mould, Rot, no heating, leaky roofs and plumbing, lack of space, various kinds of insects including moths, silverfish, bed bugs, fleas, ants, and roaches, overcrowding, etc. Etc.
What makes these environments manageable? I create little corners of tranquility. Pictures on walls, candles by the bath, a brightly coloured throw or some comfy cushions to lie back on at the end of a long day, a welcoming mat or door sign at the door, pot plants, wind chimes, lamps or lights, attractive storage boxes or containers, mobiles or dream catchers, etc. Etc. Sometimes it's a bit like polishing a turd, but it makes it liveable. And everybody I know who has been in this kind of housing and is now in much better housing, takes that with them as I will and continues to try and improve their environment.
There seems very naturally organically human about not only sweeping the cave, but decorating it with flowers and feathers.