The Holistic Approach to Rebuilding the Lives of Unhoused Women Affected by Domestic Violence

Reception

Lydia Janik // Advisor: Jihyun Song

The Holistic Approach to Rebuilding the Lives of Unhoused Women Affected by Domestic Violence

Within the large population of unhoused individuals all over every major city across the United States are a demographic of unhoused women affected by domestic violence. So many of the women who experience violent relationships struggle with the decision of leaving due to housing instability, financial control, and safety. Current statistics reveal that there is a corresponding relationship between unhoused women and domestic violence, and the women who chose to escape these relationships face barriers accessing safe shelters, mental health support services and legal support. The shelters unhoused women currently have access to are not only unsafe, overcrowded and lack privacy, but they do not provide domestic violence victims with the supportive environment and tools that they need to recover. Housing solutions for unhoused women affected by domestic violence need to be designed with a system supporting them throughout their entire journey of regaining stability and integration back into society.

Cafe

Library

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

Library

Playroom

Studio Apartment