Case Study: North Side Housing and Supportive Services creates a trauma-informed shelter for unhoused men with Gensler

North Side Housing and Supportive Services shelters 70 men per night with Gensler

North Side Housing and Supportive Services (NSHSS) partnered with the City of Chicago to address the challenge of providing shelter and integrated services for unhoused men. They engaged the vendor Gensler to transform a vacant building into a trauma-informed facility that would foster psychological safety and a sense of belonging for its residents.

Gensler implemented a design solution focused on creating a non-congregate, home-like environment. The design incorporated calming finishes, biophilic elements, and residential comforts, including skylights for natural light and open shelving with personal items. The result was a new 10,000-square-foot shelter that serves 70 men per night, supporting their journey toward stable housing by fostering healing and social connections.

North Side Housing and Supportive Services (nshss)