Dignified, safe, non-chaotic, trauma informed environments are the primary vision for all CASS locations. Helping someone find their way out of homelessness requires addressing the root causes that created their homelessness, as well as the traumatic experiences that can greatly affect their mental health and wellbeing.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the goal of trauma-informed design in emergency shelters is to create spaces that are welcoming, demonstrate a safe, healing environment, and provide some degree of privacy, while at the same time allows staff to be able to monitor client behavior. These practices support an agency’s ability to implement trauma-informed care in service provision, recognizing the role that supportive-built environments can have in client success.

CASS’ family shelter and single adult shelter have long met the basic need for shelter and support, but are overdue for renovations that create a safer, calmer, and more welcoming environment to those who are apprehensive about congregate shelter. As part of our renovations, as well as our expansion from 470 to 600 adult shelter beds and temporary housing for up to 170 seniors, CASS ensures an environment that is supportive and safe—critical to a client’s long-term success. The renovation of our family shelter will also include the addition of counseling and training spaces.

As CASS moves forward on its strategic plan, we will also work towards a vision that focuses less on congregate shelters, and more on creating shelter environments that are tailored towards the unique needs of specific populations, beginning with our senior-focused services.