Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston
Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston is the community’s only federally qualified health center providing care exclusively for men, women, and children affected by homelessness. Their mission is to promote health, hope, and dignity through accessible and comprehensive quality care.
The facility includes a 12-room medical clinic, a six-chair dental suite, an eight-office behavioral health and counseling suite, a group therapy room, large and small conference/training rooms, administrative offices, and on-site staff parking.
A key design focus was creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all. The selected finishes balance durability, affordability, and a more refined aesthetic than the previous facility. Staff have observed that, even years after opening, clients take great care of the space—a reflection of the pride and sense of dignity the design inspires.
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The design team spent significant time understanding and tailoring the facility to support the unique needs of this clientele and the caregivers.
- Emotional: People experiencing homelessness often feel vulnerable and anxious. To help put them at ease, the facility includes significant daylight and views to the outdoors, simple but uplifting colors and graphics, and visibility to staff. In the dental area, we included open cubbies at the foot of each chair to respect the clientele who worry about losing their belongings.
- Technology: Most homeless people have telephones but may lack a place to charge them regularly. We provided extra plugs in easy-to-access locations in the waiting and treatment rooms.
- Mental Health: Since a percentage of the clientele have mental health issues, designing in passive security was important. The new central stairs are open to avoid enclosed spaces and enhance security across multiple floors.
- Staff Safety: At the reception desks, there are panic buttons and a secret hinged panel in the casework for quick exit. In the behavioral health rooms, furniture is arranged so the staff member is seated closest to the door.
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