The Society of St.Vincent de Paul: Transforming Transitional Shelters

In Phoenix, Arizona, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is dedicated to providing transitional shelter and support to veterans, seniors, and adults with disabilities facing homelessness. To support their mission, SVdP needed furniture solutions that not only met the practical needs of their residents but also created a sense of dignity and safety—key components for those overcoming trauma.

SVdP operates two major facilities that required thoughtful furnishing: Ozanam Manor and Rosie’s Place. Both facilities aim to provide a welcoming environment for residents as they transition into more permanent housing. The challenge was clear: furnish these transitional housing spaces in a way that enhances their mission while addressing the physical and emotional well-being of those they serve.

Meeting the Needs of a Vulnerable Population

The primary objective for SVdP was to create spaces that provide both comfort and security. Ozanam Manor houses 51 men in its dormitory and 20 women, with additional offices and common areas for staff. Rosie’s Place includes 5 studio rooms, staff offices, and various community spaces like a reception area, training rooms, a computer lab, and even a veterinary services area.

However, it wasn’t enough to provide beds and furniture. These spaces needed to address the specific needs of a vulnerable population, offering trauma-informed, durable furniture solutions that promote dignity and safety. SVdP was looking for a partner who could deliver high-quality, flexible furnishings that would support their mission for years to come.

Gebesa’s Solution with Goodmans and Creative Furniture Connection

In collaboration with Goodmans and Creative Furniture Connection, Gebesa provided carefully chosen furniture solutions that responded to the unique challenges faced by SVdP. In the Ozanam Manor dormitories, tamper-proof beds with a 10-year warranty were installed, ensuring both safety and durability. These beds are designed to provide peace of mind, knowing that residents are safe in their living spaces. The built-in power outlets offer convenience, while UL-listed sleep settings ensure electrical safety.

At Rosie’s Place, the focus was on creating clean, safe, and adaptable living environments. Gebesa provided freestanding furniture and leak-proof mattress pads, which prevent liquids from penetrating and deter pests like bed bugs and lice. These features help maintain hygiene and create a healthier living space for residents. Flexible furnishings allow staff to easily rearrange rooms to meet the varying needs of the people they serve, offering a dynamic approach to transitional shelter management.

Creating Spaces That Feel Like Home

What makes this project stand out is the attention to the human experience. For people facing homelessness, it’s essential that the spaces they inhabit feel safe and respectful. Through thoughtful design and durable furniture solutions, Gebesa helped SVdP create environments that go beyond basic functionality. These spaces provide a foundation for healing, restoring dignity to those on their journey to transitional housing.

SVdP’s partnership with Gebesa showcases how purposeful design can have a profound impact on people’s lives, creating environments where they feel valued and supported. By focusing on the unique needs of transitional shelter residents, Gebesa is setting a new standard for how furniture solutions can contribute to a more compassionate and effective approach to addressing homelessness.