Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston (HHH) serves a vulnerable and marginalized population of homeless men, women and children. Their mission is to provide long-term care for those who are unable to navigate a larger system of care; provide interim care for those who can transition into the public healthcare system; and provide medical outreach to those who live on the streets or in single-night shelters.

For many years, HHH shared space in a building with SEARCH Homeless Services, operating out of 6,425 square feet. Page was engaged to assist with facility programming to help HHH relocate and expand their facility. The design team renovated an existing three-story building in downtown Houston, providing a dedicated, single-user facility that was completely gutted and renovated to fit their mission. The new facility provides 20,375 square feet of clinic and office support space, plus a 4,000-square-foot parking area.

Renovations include an open stair between waiting areas, an exterior “lantern” over the new entry, a new elevator, and larger energy-efficient windows that provide daylighting deep inside the facility. Translucent partitions in the waiting rooms and dental clinic provide visual privacy while still allowing light to permeate the building. Finishes throughout the space were chosen to be inviting and durable, and impart a sense of warmth and comfort. New signage incorporated into the architecture also increases the organization’s visibility from the adjacent freeway.