Chief among barriers to permanent housing is the blistering psychological trauma of homelessness, and its severe negative impact on the individual’s identity and self-esteem.For those experiencing homelessness, Bridge Housing fills a critical transitional space between life on the streets and permanent housing. In collaboration between District 3 LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s office and LA Family Housing (LAFH), a successful model of complimentary public/private partnership was applied to ‘The Willows.’ An existing one story 16,000 Sq. ft CMU building, set within a transitional intersection of light-industrial and residential zones, was renovated to provide sleeping areas for women, men and couples, a lounge area for group gatherings, as well shower, bathroom and laundry areas. A dining hall/ lounge area and outdoor patio was provided for social gatherings, alongside a dog run and pet facilities for those with animal companions. While unassuming on the exterior, the interior amplifies elements of trauma-informed and biophilic design, providing residents with an engaging and multi-sensory healing environment, balancing privacy and personal space with opportunities of choice for levels of socialization.
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