Restoration House, our new shelter for women and children opening in September, was built with trauma-informed care in mind. We knew this new shelter would be something the city has never seen before, and we also knew we’d be serving women and children experiencing homelessness. This had to be a space that was safe for them.

Interior designer and Florida State professor, Jill Pable, helped us to design the new shelter with trauma in mind. 

We started by looking at research around trauma and trauma-informed care. What we discovered was fascinating. There are many things – both big and small – that should be included in trauma-informed design. 

We were then able to use the research to design drawings and specs. Our goal was to create a welcoming environment that fostered a sense of community. We wanted our residents to feel safe and welcomed. 

Here are a few of the things we knew the design needed to include:

• Home-like environment and feel
• Orderly and organized appearance 
• Maximized use of daylight
• Enhanced safety and security
• Common areas that encourage social interaction

We looked at every square inch of our new shelter with the goal of providing trauma-informed care – everything from the right lighting to more security workers than ever before. Every room was built with care and safety in mind.

Here’s a look at the trauma-informed care design elements that you’ll find at Restoration House:

• Residents will each have lockable doors and the staff will have a master key. This provides security for their belongings (and themselves) to be safe.
• The beds in each room do not share a wall so each client will have much-needed privacy, especially while in bed.
• Hidden storage is provided under beds, in cabinets, and built-ins in each room. This allows clients to store their items in a safe place.
• Windows throughout Restoration House invite natural light in while maintaining privacy.
• There will be dimmable lights in community areas and bedrooms. (Bright lights are uncomfortable for people that have been through trauma. They often bring out PTSD.)
• We’re providing de-escalation rooms to give clients a calming space.
• Seating arrangements in the dining areas will have protected backs and be against a wall or in an area where the whole room can be seen so that the women will feel safe. 
• All paint colors are calming and were chosen for a particular reason.
• There will be clear signage throughout the building, making it easy to find what you are looking for.

We all want a sense of privacy and a chance to protect ourselves and our families. That’s what these women need. That’s what we are going to provide. Every piece of this new shelter has been built with the women and children experiencing homelessness in mind.

We are so thankful for Jill Pable and the entire team that has worked to design and create Restoration House.