The hierarchy doesn't really illustrate that some emotional and social fulfillment can't occur when basic nourishment and safety needs aren't entirely being met; it just means that not having basic needs met will inevitably hinder the growth of higher level needs: "Every person is capable and has the desire to move up the hierarchy toward a level of self-actualization. Unfortunately, progress is often disrupted by a failure to meet lower level needs. Life experiences, including divorce and loss of a job may cause an individual to fluctuate between levels of the hierarchy. Therefore, not everyone will move through the hierarchy in a uni-directional manner but may move back and forth between the different types of needs." source

Also, in homeless encampments and similar makeshift or temporary communities, people will often choose to band together to serve immediate practical and safety needs. Socialization and intimacy obviously may arise from these relationships, but they aren't the primary catalysts for the relationships. And interestingly, Maslow includes sex at the bottom of the hierarchy with other physiological needs.