NATIONAL STORY homeless people can use basic amenities like laundry and storage. One example is Mary’s Place, a collection of diverse shelters that provides emergency and long-term support in smaller facilities modeled after the simplicity and comfort of a home. People experience less stress and can more easily navigate the challenge of ending their own homelessness when they can get a restful night’s sleep in a quiet environment, with spaces that allow them some privacy. We are encouraged to see other U.S. shelters moving in this direction – but there’s a long way to go. STEPS TOWARD BETTER DESIGN To address the lack of privacy at CASS, we have proposed subdividing the day room into more private spaces to accommodate activities like online telehealth appointments, counseling, and job interviews. To tackle the long-term impacts of overcrowding, we also have recommended introducing sanitation amenities, such as laundry facilities, “hot boxes” to sanitize clothing and bedding, more bathroom facilities, and reliable trash removal to reduce the spread of infection and pests such as bedbugs and lice. For new facilities, designers could consider small changes, such as increased storage and more diligent regulation of temperature, light, and noise. Hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement communities have found many ways in recent decades to use design to support patients’ health. Many of the same concepts can be applied to emergency shelters and help turn these facilities from institutional warehouses into spaces of health and opportunity. ■ Natalie Florence is a Ph.D. candidate in humanitarian design and infrastructure studies at Arizona State University. Heather Ross is a clinical associate professor in nursing and clinical associate professor at the School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University. Courtesy of The Conversation / International Network of Street Papers Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., or by appointment. AUTUMN WISH LIST NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Toiletries (individual or travel-size) Toothpaste, deodorant Chapstick, sunscreen Bottled water GENTLY-USED ITEMS NEEDED: Men’s shoes or boots (sizes 8-12) Men’s jackets (sizes L, XL, XXL) Women’s jackets (sizes M, L, XL) Backpacks, carrier bags USB-C charging cables VENMO YOUR VENDOR: If you would like to help out a specific vendor by donating a few extra dollars, scan the QR code below to make a payment through Venmo. Please be sure to write your vendor’s name in the comments. Thank you! @DenverVOICE ILLUSTRATION BY GIGI GALEN November 2023 DENVER VOICE 9
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