On the Importance of Being Informed.
TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE & DESIGN
Two Approaches to Helping Weingart Center Clients Overcome Trauma Associated with Homelessness
15 June 2023 | By Jericho Kilpatrick
IN BRIEF : Due to the long-lasting impact that trauma has on physical and mental health, healthcare providers and policymakers are adopting trauma-informed organizational and clinical best practices that have the potential to improve health outcomes. Trauma-informed approaches are also being adopted by architects and environmental designers to address the physical and environmental needs of those affected by trauma. Drawing upon this theme, this blog entry is designed to highlight: 1) How the Weingart Center understands the cyclical nature of trauma and its role in homelessness, and 2) How the Weingart Center employs both trauma-informed care and trauma-informed design to address many of the trauma-related issues that affect those experiencing homelessness.
Photo: Adobe Stock
Homelessness is a serious and complex issue that’s often hidden and underreported. While it’s difficult to determine the exact number, the United Nations estimates that 150 million people worldwide are experiencing homelessness and as many as 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing. These numbers take into account individuals living in shelters, on the streets, in informal settlements, and in overcrowded or unsafe housing.
As of 2021, it was estimated that there were approximately 580,000 people experiencing homelessness in the United States, according to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Following closely behind New York City, the City of Los Angeles ranks number two in U.S. cities with the largest populations of unhoused individuals. In Los Angeles County, there are approximately 70,000 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given day, with approximately 42,000 living in the City of Los Angeles.
The Weingart Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the heart of downtown L.A.’s infamous Skid Row district and is dedicated to providing comprehensive services and innovative housing solutions to thousands experiencing homelessness in the greater Los Angeles area. The Weingart Center has been helping low-income and unhoused communities since 1983.
“Most people don’t realize it, but when we speak of homelessness, we are also speaking of trauma.”
Photo: Adobe Stock
The Morass of Trauma
Trauma refers to an emotional and psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event or experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and can lead to a range of symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. These symptoms can be severe and long-lasting, and can interfere with an individual's ability to function in daily life.
It's important to note that trauma is a subjective experience and can be different for each individual. What one person may find traumatic, another may not. Additionally, trauma can be experienced by anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
Trauma is often considered to be one of the most common factors that lead to homelessness. Below are five traumas that may contribute:
Childhood Trauma: Experiencing abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events during childhood can increase the likelihood of experiencing homelessness later in life. Childhood trauma can lead to issues such as substance abuse, mental health problems, and difficulty forming stable relationships, which can contribute to homelessness.
Domestic Violence: Survivors of domestic violence may become homeless as a result of fleeing their abusers. This can be particularly difficult for those with no access to financial resources or a support system.
Military Trauma: Veterans who have experienced trauma during their service, such as combat-related PTSD, may struggle with readjustment to civilian life and may be at increased risk of homelessness.
Sexual Violence: Survivors of sexual violence, particularly those who have experienced chronic abuse or exploitation, may be at increased risk of homelessness.
Natural Disasters: Disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can displace individuals and families, causing them to lose their homes and belongings.
While the five traumas listed above can be contributors to homelessness, homelessness itself can lead to new or continued trauma, which can include violence, exploitation, and other dangers while living on the streets or in unstable housing situations. This is why overcoming the morass of trauma is an important step toward breaking one’s cycle of homelessness.
At the Weingart Center, we recognize how prevalent trauma is. We encounter victims of trauma daily. We need not question if a history of trauma exists; rather, we assume it does and act accordingly. We employ a trauma-informed approach to everything we do—from our numerous programs and services (trauma-informed care) to the construction of our interim, permanent supportive, and affordable housing solutions (trauma-informed design).
“Our commitment to trauma-informed care ensures that every individual who walks through our doors is met with empathy, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
Photo: Adobe Stock
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on an individual's physical, emotional, and mental health. This approach aims to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma, helping them to feel empowered and in control of their lives. Trauma-informed care also emphasizes the importance of building trusting relationships between service providers and those receiving care, which is essential for healing. It’s an approach to healthcare that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on a person's life, the principles of which address:
Safety: Ensuring the physical and emotional safety of the person
Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust with the person through honesty and transparency in all interactions
Peer Support: Recognizing the importance of peer support and incorporating it into a care plan
Collaboration and Mutuality: Working collaboratively with the person to develop a care plan that meets their needs and goals
Empowerment, Voice, and Choice: Empowering the person to make decisions about their care and providing them with choices and options
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Being aware of and addressing the impact of culture, history, and gender on a person's trauma experience
Resilience and Recovery: Recognizing and promoting the person's strengths and resilience, and supporting their recovery journey
“The infusion of trauma-informed design in our construction processes underpins our commitment to prioritize the well-being and transformation of the individuals we serve.”
Interior shot of 11010 smB showcasing the soft overhead lighting that was incorporated into the trauma-informed design.
What is Trauma-Informed Design?
Trauma-informed design is an approach to designing physical environments that takes into account the needs and experiences of individuals who have experienced trauma. This approach aims to create spaces that are safe, supportive, and conducive to healing. Some of the basic principles of trauma-informed design include:
Safety: A trauma-informed environment should prioritize safety above all else. This means designing spaces that are physically safe, free from hazards or triggers, and that minimize the risk of harm or re-traumatization.
Comfort: Trauma can be extremely distressing and can trigger feelings of anxiety and discomfort. Trauma-informed design prioritizes the creation of environments that are comfortable and calming, with features such as soft lighting, comfortable seating, and soothing colors.
Empowerment: Individuals who have experienced trauma may feel a loss of control and powerlessness. Trauma-informed design aims to promote a sense of empowerment by giving individuals choices and control over their environment, such as the ability to adjust lighting or temperature.
Respect: Trauma-informed design respects the dignity and autonomy of individuals who have experienced trauma. This means designing spaces that are non-judgmental and culturally sensitive, and that honor individual preferences and needs.
Collaboration: Trauma-informed design involves collaboration between designers, service providers, and individuals who have experienced trauma. This collaboration helps to ensure that the design meets the specific needs and preferences of those who will use the space.
Sensory awareness: Trauma can affect an individual's sensory experiences, making certain sights, sounds, and textures triggering or distressing. Trauma-informed design prioritizes creating spaces that are sensory-aware, using features such as sound-absorbing materials, natural light, and calming textures.
Below are examples of how trauma-informed design was used to create 11010 smB, the Weingart Center’s permanent supportive housing development for seniors and senior Veterans.
Both trauma-informed care and trauma-informed design are essential approaches to addressing the complex issue of homelessness. By recognizing and responding to the impact of trauma on individuals experiencing homelessness, the Weingart Center seeks to create programs, services, and environments that promote healing, recovery, and a sense of community.
Trauma-informed care and trauma-informed design represent only two of the innovative solutions Weingart Center employs to break the cycle of homelessness and help people stabilize their lives.
