At Brethren Housing Association (BHA), we recognize that homelessness is not just a matter of lacking shelter. It’s often the result of complex and deeply rooted challenges, including trauma. According to the SHIFT study conducted by the American Institutes for Research, 93% of mothers experiencing homelessness have lived through at least one traumatic event, and 79% of those traumas occurred during childhood. These experiences frequently lead to mental health challenges, difficulties forming trusting relationships, and barriers to stability, such as maintaining employment or parenting effectively.
Understanding this, BHA has embraced a trauma-informed approach to care. Our work goes beyond providing housing; it seeks to address the invisible wounds that can impede a family’s ability to thrive. Here’s how our trauma-informed practices make a difference in the lives of the families we serve.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care begins with acknowledging the prevalence and impact of trauma in the lives of those we serve. It involves creating environments and services that are sensitive to the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. This means prioritizing physical and emotional safety, empowering families, and fostering trust.
At BHA, this approach is woven into every aspect of our work, from the way our staff interacts with participants to the design of our programs.
Building a Foundation of Knowledge and Skills
To ensure we’re equipped to meet the needs of families, BHA staff members have undergone extensive training to become a certified Trauma-Informed Organization. With support from the University of Buffalo’s Social Work Department and funding from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, every staff member completed a Trauma-Informed Certification program.
Additionally, we’ve partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for expert guidance. Through surveys, evaluations, and ongoing consultations, we continually assess and improve our services to reflect the latest best practices in trauma-informed care.
Creating Space for Healing
Trauma doesn’t just affect individuals — it impacts entire families. That’s why our programs focus on holistic healing, addressing not only trauma but also economic and housing barriers that contribute to instability.
One of our most impactful initiatives is the peer support group we host, funded by The Fund for Women and Girls. Using the SELF curriculum — Safety, Emotions, Loss, and Future — this group provides a framework for participants to process their experiences without focusing on individual trauma stories. By fostering a sense of community and shared understanding, participants can begin to rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.
Ongoing Commitment to Improvement
Being trauma-informed is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey. BHA is committed to staying at the forefront of trauma-informed care, regularly evaluating our programs and adapting to the changing needs of the families we serve. Through grants, partnerships, and ongoing education, we ensure our staff and programs remain equipped to provide the highest quality of care.
Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters
At its core, trauma-informed care is about dignity and empowerment. It’s about recognizing the resilience of individuals and families who have endured hardship and providing them with the tools and support they need to heal. At BHA, we’ve seen firsthand how this approach transforms lives — how mothers regain confidence, how children feel safe for the first time, and how families find hope for a brighter future.
Trauma may shape a person’s story, but it doesn’t have to define their future. By integrating trauma-informed practices into our mission, BHA is helping families overcome their pasts and build stable, thriving lives.
If you’d like to learn more about our trauma-informed programs or support our mission, please contact us or explore our website for ways to get involved. Together, we can make healing possible.