Trauma Informed Design: Inspiring Safety & Healing
Rose Haven’s award winning trauma informed approach to services and the physical design of the space means that re-traumatization of guests is less likely, and the agency is best positioned to make meaningful change in guests’ lives.
The role that trauma plays in the lives of those navigating poverty, domestic violence, housing insecurity, and homelessness has been researched by many scholars and psychologists. Findings indicate that it is important for organizations that provide services to these populations to consider the oftentimes layered and complex traumas that individuals are living with. Repeating personal stories of hardship, bouncing around from place to place trying to get help, being burdened with arbitrary rules, and having autonomy stripped from oneself are all examples of things that can be re-traumatizing or triggering.
Trauma informed design is a concept that combines elements of interior design, environmental psychology, and clinical psychology (Ajeen et al., 2023). It is used to create spaces that are conducive to positive experiences and outcomes for those who spend time there. Community spaces that provide resources such Rose Haven really benefit from trauma-informed design choices.
“Traumatic experiences challenge people’s idea that the world is a safe and predictable place, and often leave people feeling insecure and distrustful of others. The loss of home leads to an additional loss of safety, security, and control. To begin to heal, families must feel safe. Physical safety is critical—especially in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, but it is also important for clients to feel emotionally safe. Emotional safety involves the need to feel protected, comforted, in control, heard, and reassured.” (Guarino and Bassuk, 2010).
Physical features of the Rose Haven space actively work to communicate positivity, rejuvenation, and a sense of community within the space. This is seen in the layout of the main room and service providing areas, the dimmable non-fluorescent lighting, and the wide variety of seating and rest areas contribute to guests’ physical and emotional safety. Other elements such as the warm color scheme and lack of music playing contribute to a calming and restful environment, easing guest stress as much as possible. The space as a whole represents Rose Haven’s commitment to providing trauma informed care and uplifting the dignity and worthiness of everyone who comes through the doors.
Guest Feedback Based Programming
Asking people what they need instead of assuming what is best for them communicates that those who are seeking services and community at Rose Haven have opinions that matter, and voices that deserve to be heard.
In 1997, a group of radical women conducted surveys on the streets of Portland to find out what women living outside needed most from a service providing site. Those interviewed expressed an overwhelming desire for a safe, welcoming place to go during the day where they could bring their children and access many consolidated resources at once. Based on those responses, Rose Haven was founded. Originally located in a small office space near Old Town, Rose Haven served as a place of advocacy, community building, and multi-faceted support. (Learn more about Rose Haven’s history here).
Guests at the original Rose Haven location.
There are specific pressures that women, mothers, and marginalized genders face more often than their male counterparts. These often include being primary caregivers for children and aging family members, facing various forms of interpersonal and relationship violence, and more. Navigating a lack of housing on top of those responsibilities can be an enormous challenge.
“Poverty, homelessness, and dealing with institutions and systems pose enormous physical, emotional, mental and spiritual challenges to women. Much of the time women are faced with making “choices” in a situation where there really is no choice, and struggling for mere survival.” (Paradis et al., 2011).
Rose Haven’s carefully curated collection of resources, opportunities, and support systems aim to alleviate some of these pressures for women and marginalized genders in the community. Giving guests the opportunity to contribute their thoughts on how they wanted the new space to look like and operate was integral to the design process. Surveys were administered to guests about Rose Haven, with questions like:
“What do you love about the existing Rose Haven space?” “Is Rose Haven a place for you to relax?” “Do you bring belongings with you to Rose Haven?” “Do you enjoy socializing with other guests as part of your Rose Haven experience?” and more.
Trauma informed care meets individuals where they’re at, and is based on what they specifically need. Highlighting an individual’s ability to make choices for themselves gives guests agency, and builds resiliency. This was utilized in the design process, and is also seen in how guests move through the space; choosing which resources they want to access each day based on their own needs.
“The concept of trauma-informed care is straightforward. If professionals were to pause and consider the role trauma and lingering traumatic stress plays in the lives of the specific client population served by an individual, professional, organization, or an entire system, how would they behave differently? What steps would they take to avoid, or at least minimize, adding new stress or inadvertently reminding their clients of their past traumas? How can they better help their traumatized clients heal?” (Wilson et al., 2013).
The healing opportunities Rose Haven provides to guests makes the organization stand out from other shelters and service providing sites. Rose Haven fits the criteria of a third place, which is defined as a low barrier, welcoming space that makes it easy to start conversations and form connections with others (Milne, 2024). While this connection based approach has always been central to the mission of Rose Haven, the current location on Glisan Street embodies trauma informed design and makes it even easier for guests, staff, and volunteers alike to form community.
New Digs!
On International Women’s day 2022, Rose Haven opened the doors to the new trauma informed facility located at 1740 Northwest Glisan Street.
The physical features of the space, including the built structure and interior design, embody trauma informed guidelines. As executive director Katie O’Brien put it, “We wanted to explore how the physical environment can inform one’s sense of identity, worth, and dignity, and have an opportunity to create a sense of empowerment for people that use the spaces.”
Understanding the high rates of trauma that guests carry with them based on their lived experiences as women and marginalized genders made being intentional about how the new space was designed even more important. A trauma informed lens was applied from the very beginning of the design and build project, with an emphasis on how the space would look, feel, and operate daily.
To make the Rose Haven dream space a possibility, design company Gensler provided the architectural plans and design pro bono, ultimately valuing at more than $250,000. The construction company that brought those plans to life was Swinerton. A team of all women from Gensler, Swinerton, and Rose Haven worked together to create a new space for the Rose Haven community that would center the needs of the guests, and promote sentiments of worthiness and dignity for all. (Watch a panel discussion featuring members of the team that made the new space possible here)
One detail of the main service space that improves safety and guests’ experience is a lack of dividing walls or objects obstructing sight lines in the main room. The large main space has off-shooting private rooms and public areas for all of the specific services Rose Have provides; like one on one counseling, health services, the dining area, the wellness desk, the clothing shop, and rooms for additional activities. When you stand on one side of the space, you can see virtually every area folks might be sitting, eating, and conversing. The exit door is clearly marked in several languages, and is also visible from anywhere in the main space. These details are the main pillars of trauma informed design, and ensure that guests won’t feel trapped or lost within the space.
The Wellness desk, where guests can sign up for showers and other services. Behind it is the exit ramp, clearly marked.
The lighting that is used in the main space also contributes to a calm environment. The light fixtures are unique because while the space has to remain well lit for safety, the lights are able to be dimmed and the hue controlled to make the space welcoming and comfortable. This specific lighting choice sets Rose Haven apart from service providing locations that use harsh overhead fluorescent lighting which can be less welcoming and comforting.
A woman sits at a vanity outside the shower stalls.
A bulk of the services offered at Rose Haven are designed to meet basic needs, such as meals, clothing, private showers, bathrooms, medical care, mailbox access, device charging, laundry machines, and more. (Learn more about services available here). By getting these crucial needs met, guests then have the bandwidth to think more broadly about their goals and needs beyond where they might get their next meal or bathroom access, and can do so in partnership with the mental health advocacy staff. Additionally, guests can participate in wellness activities such as yoga and acupuncture, as well as creative practices like yarn club and art therapy. This opens folks up to new possibilities and enables long term healing and positive progress.
One woman, Danielle, has been coming to Rose Haven for 7 years. She explained that this space is a big improvement from the church basement, and that her personal feelings of safety are much higher here than they were there. By designing a space and set of services that are catered to the needs of guests, Rose Haven is able to build sentiments of trust and dependability amongst guests, to keep them coming back time and time again.
As established by research about families accessing social services, there are many trauma informed ways to assist guests in feeling more safe and welcome. First, it is important to remember that a sense of safety and security can and should begin the second someone steps foot on the premises. At Rose Haven, this access point looks like a welcoming lobby, where staff members personally greet folks by name if they’re returning. New guests get a one on one intake with a staff member and the community agreement is shared.
All guests, staff, and volunteers at Rose Haven sign the community agreement, which outlines expectations of acceptance, nonviolence, and conflict resolution.
Once an individual has entered Rose Haven, it’s important that staff and volunteers familiarize guests with the space, pointing out details like where the bathrooms are, where they can rest and eat, where the exit is, where and how they can access different services, and more. This allows guests to get their bearings in the space, and lessens feelings of being lost or confused when first visiting.
One thing that is a specific need of the population who spends time at Rose Haven is the need for places to put their belongings. Many guests who come to Rose Haven have laundry to do, are toting carts and strollers, and more. There is a push to open activation switch for the entrance so that people maneuvering many belongings or using mobility aids can easily navigate the space.
Maintaining the quality of the space is really important to communicate sentiments of worthiness and belonging to guests. The Rose Haven site is very modern and upscale, and this is maintained by regular cleaning, and fixing things quickly when they break or get too worn down.
The Biology of Trauma
To best understand the significance and importance of trauma informed design and care, one must understand how and why trauma materializes, and how it can continue to impact an individual long after the traumatizing event has occurred.
Traumatic experiences are defined as a terrible event or series of events that create a real or perceived threat of death or serious injury to oneself or another person, leading to overwhelming feelings of fear, hopelessness, helplessness, and terror. The emotional, physical, and physiological toll that trauma has on individuals is significant and long lasting, often leading to developmental delays in children and adolescents (Wilson et al., 2013).
When a stressful or threatening situation occurs, the brain has an alarm system that engages to protect oneself. Chemicals are released that cause physical symptoms such as an elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, and increased sweating. Then, a person usually experiences fight, flight, or freeze. When these natural responses to threat don’t actively make the situation better, safer, or end it, there is potential for trauma to be obtained, as feelings of helplessness in that situation rise (Guarino and Bassuk, 2010).
It is important to have a safe place to re-regulate one’s nervous system and calm down from an activated place once fight or flight has been triggered, and the large, expansive murals within the building depicting roses help to communicate calm energy. When choosing what kind of murals to create, and what sort of color pallet to use, the design teams chose a combination of calm but cheerful colors, such as pinks, purples, and oranges.
Two of the beautiful Rose Haven murals in the dining area (top) and main space (bottom).
The creation of the murals was a collaborative effort by guests, volunteers, staff, and donors, and represents the power of community at Rose Haven.
This color scheme in the space is also utilized with color blocking, as each main service providing section of the space has a designated color accent. This helps guests quickly know which area is for which service, and is pleasant to look at, increasing the visual appeal of the overall space without making the walls feel overcrowded or busy. While the colors are associated with happy emotions, they are not too vibrant or over stimulating, as one of the main goals of the space is to be a restful, rejuvenating place for guests.
The Activities & Supply desk is a light pink color while the First Aid & Nursing Station is maroon. Each area of Rose Haven has its own color distinction for convenience and simplicity.
Trauma impacts each individual differently. An event that is traumatic and detrimental to one individual might not impact another person the same way, or even at all. This makes the process of providing trauma informed care, spaces, and interactions nuanced- as each person has unique triggers, preferences, history, and more, relating to trauma. (Wilson et al., 2013).
Knowing this, the approach to caring for guests depends on each individual, and by giving individuals agency and choice within the space, they can move through escalated situations or states of being in the way that best serves them. An example of flexibility within the space is in the main room.
There are three main sections of the seating area in the middle of the space, containing a variety of options, such as individual chairs of various sizes, couches, and tables to use to rest, eat, and converse. This variety allows each guest to choose what works best for them, if they want to be close to others or have some time alone. The couches and coffee tables have rounded edges, and are soft and comfortable to sit on, contributing to the calming and welcoming environment, while also increasing safety for the women and children who use the furniture the most.
One guest, Rachel, told me about coming to Rose Haven to use the laptops, and that she is receiving guidance from one on one mentorship to help her get access to shelter and housing. According to her, when she comes to Rose Haven and receives the help she needs, she’s happy. This seemingly simple statement reflects an overarching sense of gratitude for what Rose Haven provides, in the way of resources, support, and access to services. By providing these things in a trauma informed environment, the experience of getting those supports is even more beneficial.
Children and Trauma
“… when the whole family has been affected by traumatic stress, children and their caregivers need service providers to help them feel physically and emotionally safe. Service providers must examine their physical space and overall culture or environment to develop strategies for promoting safety and modeling this for parents and other family members.” (Guarino and Bassuk, 2010).
The shop where guests can get clothes and accessories in an upscale setting twice a month.
Family support and parental guidance influence children’s development more than anything else, as “The health and well-being of a parent is inextricably linked to the health and well-being of her child.” (Guarino and Bassuk, 2010).
Children experiencing housing instability and houselessness often experience development delays, higher rates of illness, and emotional and behavioral difficulties at higher rates than the general population. When families experience events relating to housing insecurity, the effects are detrimental to all involved.
One way that Rose Haven aims to support mothers and families with children is through their children focused programming, such as Wednesday afternoons, when the space is open exclusively for children and their parents. Volunteers play with the kids and kid specific supplies and resources are available to take. The space is less crowded and more quiet than usual, giving guests a more relaxing and environment to spend time in. (Learn more about child specific services offered at Rose Haven here).
Why It Matters
It is important to understand that homelessness is a social phenomenon, not a personal trait of an individual.
“Women and families facing homelessness may move between different states of housing, including adequate housing; inadequate housing (i.e. housing that is unsafe, unaffordable or overcrowded); invisible homelessness (i.e. couch surfing or sending one’s children to stay with other families because of a housing problem); and visible homelessness (i.e. living on the streets). In spite of this reality, homelessness is often stigmatized and seen as defining a person’s identity.” (Paradis et al., 2011)
The families, parents, and children navigating housing insecurity and homelessness are often left out of mainstream narratives about who is unhoused in Portland and beyond. The safe community space and trauma informed support that Rose Haven provides these individuals ensures that they are able to navigate difficult situations more easily.
Becoming trauma-informed involves creating an integrated web of service systems that are united in the goal of open communication, cross-system education, and joint service planning to best assist families in their transition from homelessness.” (Guarino and Bassuk, 2010).
Individuals who spend time and access resources at Rose Haven are known on a personal level by staff, guests, and volunteers. People are seen for who they are, and are not defined by the circumstances they are currently experiencing. Knowing guests by name and maintaining a chatty and friendly environment within the main space contributes to the healing and welcoming experience of being in the space, minimizing re-traumatization.
A trauma informed approach has shaped the physical setting as well as the services Rose Haven provides to guests. By understanding the trauma that women and marginalized genders navigating poverty and homelessness often carry with them, each aspect of Rose Haven has intention behind its design. Paying attention to details like lighting, color scheme, open floor plans, and emphasizing guest’s autonomy uplifts those who spend time here. This ensures that the experiences people have in the space are as healing, helpful, and dignified as possible.
While the services that Rose Haven offers have expanded over the years, and the site has changed several times, the central goal of supporting women, marginalized genders, and children experiencing poverty and homelessness in a trauma informed way has stayed consistent. The ways that the organization shows up for people in Portland will continually grow, evolve, and build upon the existing foundation of safety, dignity, and trust for all who come through the doors.
Sources
Ajeen, Rawan, et al. “The Impact of Trauma-Informed Design on Psychological Well-Being in Homeless Shelters.” Psychological Services, vol. 20, no. 3, Aug. 2023, pp. 680–89. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000724.
Guarino, Kathleen, and Ellen Bassuk. “Working With Families Experiencing Homelessness: Understanding Trauma and Its Impact.” The National Center on Family Homelessness, 2010.
Milne, Kate. Spaces of Dignity: Social Capital and Community Engagement in Nonprofit Third Places. 2024. Lewis & Clark College. https://primo.lclark.edu/permalink/01ALLIANCE_LCC/1qmr712/alma99900834530301844
Paradis, Emily, et al. We’re Not Asking, We’re Telling: An Inventory of Practices Promoting the Dignity, Autonomy, and Self-Determination of Women and Families Facing Homelessness. 8, The Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press, 2011.
Wilson, Charles, et al. “Trauma-Informed Care.” Encyclopedia of Social Work, NASW Press and Oxford University Press, 4 Nov. 2013. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1063.
By: Kate Milne
Rose Haven Intern
Kate Milne is a recent graduate of Lewis & Clark with a BA in Sociology and Anthropology. They are passionate about the importance of third places and community care in Portland.
