Welcome To September Newsletter!
- Dinah Kissiedu
- Dec 8
- 2 min read
Properties with Purpose
October greets me each year with familiar comfort. I luv the rustle of crisp, brown leaves signaling my earth day’s return. As the years go by, I find the meaning of this time isn’t in counting birthdays but in strengthening connections, savoring experiences, and weaving lasting memories with those who truly matter. Let's toast to building new memories and strengthening our connections—let’s raise a toast to the relationships we cherish and the moments we create together
The latest national count confirmed that homelessness in the U.S. has hit a record high, with an 18 percent increase between 2023 and 2024. It is driven by the nation’s affordability crisis, limited resources, and a rash of unhelpful policies that punish people for being homeless (rather than helping them). Now, due to recent federal funding changes, more than 170,000 more people could lose access to permanent housing and support. We can’t let this be the future.
Trauma-Informed Care and Homelessness
People experiencing homelessness face high rates of trauma, including violence, instability, and loss. Homelessness itself is a traumatic event that can be compounded by previous adversities, making it critical for providers to be sensitive to these experiences.
Trauma-informed services in homeless settings work by:
•Recognizing and responding to trauma histories
•Using a strengths-based lens, focusing on resilience and clients’ capacities
•Providing safety and respect in service interactions
•Empowering clients with choice in their care and environment
Key Strategies and Best Practices
Best practices for trauma-informed care in homelessness include:
•Training staff to recognize trauma responses and avoid re-traumatization
•Creating welcoming, non-judgmental environments
•Prioritizing client input and offering choices to restore a sense of control
•Building collaborative, trusting relationships between staff and clients
•Focusing on skill building and identifying supports for resilience (like community connections)
It models compassionate care that supports healing and long-term well-being for individuals and the larger community.
Implementing trauma-informed principles—safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration—can help service providers create programs that truly meet people where they are, promoting recovery and hope in the face of great adversity
Real Impact and Success Stories Successes are not just numbers; they are stories of individuals rediscovering dignity, security, and belonging through trauma-informed services. In trauma-informed environments, people are engaged, participate actively in their care, and frequently move forward to stable housing and fruitful community connections. Check out our testimonies page Check out our testimonies page where you can see real people’s stories and firsthand accounts of how trauma-informed care supported their journey—demonstrating how, with understanding and tailored support, individuals who once faced homelessness have rebuilt their lives and found stability, meaning, and connection in their our community.
Together, we can build a future where every person facing homelessness receives not just shelter, but care rooted in empathy, dignity, and hope. With trauma-informed approaches, healing and transformation become possible for individuals and our communities alike. Thank you for supporting us and continuing with us on this journey of compassion and change.
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