FAQ: One Safe Place Houston by Houston Area Women’s Center

What is One Safe Place Houston?

One Safe Place Houston is a 5.5-acre campus opened by the Houston Area Women’s Center that provides safety, dignity, and wraparound support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and sex trafficking through comprehensive, trauma-informed services all in one location.

Why was One Safe Place Houston created?

It was created as a bold response to the urgent need for integrated, survivor-centered services in Houston, addressing deeply rooted public health and safety issues related to intimate partner violence and sexual assault.

What services are available at One Safe Place Houston?

The campus offers 135 supportive housing apartments, behavioral health counseling, legal advocacy, medical forensic care, childcare, a Houston ISD elementary school, community gathering spaces, workforce readiness, and financial literacy programs within a highly secure environment.

How does One Safe Place Houston differ from traditional shelters?

It transforms traditional shelter models into a restorative and empowering environment through trauma-informed design, comprehensive on-site services, and a focus on dignity, safety, and healing rather than just temporary housing.

Who designed the One Safe Place Houston campus?

GSMA Architects, a Houston-based architecture firm known for civic and community-centered work, led the design with intentionality for dignity, safety, and healing in partnership with survivor advocates and frontline staff.

How does the campus accommodate families with children?

It includes supportive housing apartments for survivors and their families, childcare services, and an on-site Houston ISD elementary school to support both parents and children during their healing process.

What role did CORT Furniture Rental play in the project?

CORT Furniture Rental furnished the entire campus with high-quality, multi-functional furnishings for residential, counseling, and common areas to help create spaces that feel like home rather than just a facility.

How many survivors can One Safe Place Houston serve?

The new temporary supportive housing will triple HAWC’s capacity, increasing in phases to ultimately provide safety and support for up to 350 survivors.

Where can I find more information about the Houston Area Women’s Center?

You can visit the Houston Area Women’s Center website for more information about their services and programs.