Haven

Domestic Violence Shelter, Bozeman, MT

Since 1979 Haven has worked to support women impacted by domestic violence in Bozeman, Montana, and the surrounding area. In the first few decades after Haven’s founding, domestic violence was viewed as a private issue, one that must not be discussed publicly, leaving many survivors to face their trauma privately or risk the stigma of being seen as a “victim.” By providing a new facility for survivors that keeps them safe while also welcoming the public to take ownership of the issues, Haven aims to end the stigma of domestic violence through community engagement, education, advocacy, and prevention.

The design of the buildings is based on trauma-informed design, this influenced everything from the layout down to the materials choices. I worked on this project from design through construction administration, I particularly enjoyed creating the details for the diagonal wood siding. Building A contains the administration office spaces and the intake services, including counseling rooms. The admin and counseling spaces are separated by a community room where others outside of Haven can engage with programming and visit survivors. Building B contains the residence spaces, which have 30 room configurations, some of which can connect to allow for larger families to stay together. The center of the building has a large kitchen and the ends of the buildings are marked with doubled-height living room spaces.

The new facility will expand Haven’s existing programs and will support an estimated 1,400 survivors in the first year of the new facility’s operation. The new facility will also serve as a place for expanding education within the larger community, helping to destigmatize survivors’ experiences and create more visible, empowering spaces of support. Playgrounds and spaces for younger survivors to meet with therapists, and private family suites will help provide children safe places to grow and thrive.