Before & After

Bringing Trauma-Informed Design to Richmont University & Henegar Counseling Center

Bringing Trauma-Informed Design to Richmont University & Henegar Counseling Center

Homes & Havens had the great honor of designing and installing a trauma-informed space for Henegar Counseling Center’s waiting room and four therapist’s offices. Thanks to the Maclellan Foundation for believing in our work enough to fund this research initiative in conjunction with Richmont University.

Gratitude and Giving Back

Gratitude and Giving Back

The holidays are fast approaching and this month is all about making room for gratitude and giving back.

This month we are reflecting back on the incredible women + stories + homes we have encountered this year. We are asking you to rejoice and celebrate with us! Because of people like you, we were able to impact these women’s lives by creating a healing haven in their home.

"My home is soothing and soft, a fortress of solitude." = [ Tracy's Story ]

"My home is soothing and soft, a fortress of solitude." = [ Tracy's Story ]

As I went through my second divorce, God told me to let it all go: house, cabin, boat, car, things, stuff, I gave it all to my husband. Soon after that, I filed bankruptcy on the home I'd given him. It's true the less you have, the less you have to worry about.

I lived within my means in a two bedroom apartment giving the bedrooms to my three children. I had a place on the sunporch. I followed my counsel to reestablish my credit, which took about three years.

"This was once just a space. Now it is a sanctuary." - [ Ashlee's Story ]

"This was once just a space. Now it is a sanctuary." - [ Ashlee's Story ]

I was arrested at the age of 17 due to inaction during a crime. My inability to deal with my own pain, let alone others’ pain, created a storm that ultimately lead me to spend over 21 years of my life in prison. I wasn’t ever an adult, yet, was treated, in the justice system, as one.

In March 2017, I was released and blessed with my own “space”. While I was extremely grateful for a roof, I felt isolated. I was use to steel and concrete but this was different. How can a plush environment feel cold?

"God knew having a warm inviting room would help me thrive..." - [ Katie's Story ]

"God knew having a warm inviting room would help me thrive..." - [ Katie's Story ]

In September 2016 I found myself struggling with depression and alcohol and an ungodly marriage. Everyday I wished for death and drank more and more to numb the pain. I tried to take my own life thinking there was no way to escape the pain of the depression. Fortunately, my attempt failed and I knew I had to turn back to God.

"I now have a place to grow and heal..." - [ Amanda's Story ]

"I now have a place to grow and heal..." - [ Amanda's Story ]

After spending my childhood and most of my adult life being trafficked, HOME felt more like a four letter word than a place I could ever enjoy. The Zion Project is an organization that helps people who have been victims of sexual violence restore their identity. They helped me find Jesus, they give me support, and they helped me to learn how to start to heal from over 26 years of trauma. 

"I finally have a space God knew my heart needed!" - [ Emily's Story ]

"I finally have a space God knew my heart needed!" - [ Emily's Story ]

I grew up in church but never had a true relationship with God. I spent many years searching for anything to fill this void I had in my heart but everything left me feeling empty — nothing offered lasting satisfaction. At Renew I found exactly what would fill the void I had in my heart, something that would never disappoint me: a relationship with God. During my time at Renew I learned how to cultivate that relationship with God through reading His word, listening to His voice, and being surrounded with people who were doing the same things.