The Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) officially opened One Safe Place Houston, a transformational 5.5-acre campus designed to offer safety, dignity, and wraparound support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and sex trafficking through comprehensive, trauma-informed services all in one location. The site brings together mission-driven partners who have thoughtfully shaped every element of the environment to reflect respect, resilience, and renewal.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250821103915/en/

A cozy, modern sitting area featuring a blue sofa with neutral-toned pillows, a wooden coffee table with a small plant and book, and a console table with a lamp and flowers. A large abstract painting hangs above, and natural light filters through white blinds, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere..

This new temporary supportive housing will triple HAWC’s capacity, increasing in phases – ultimately providing safety and support for up to 350 survivors. One Safe Place Houston isn’t just a facility – it’s a collective vision. One Safe Place Houston is a bold response to the urgent need for integrated, survivor-centered services in Houston. It is a place where healing is made possible not only through programs, but through architecture, design, and community investment.

An Environment Built for Healing and Renewal

The campus includes 135 supportive housing apartments for survivors and their families, alongside comprehensive on-site services such as behavioral health counseling, legal advocacy, medical forensic care, childcare, a Houston ISD elementary school, community gathering spaces, workforce readiness, and financial literacy programs - all within a highly secure, thoughtfully designed environment. At One Safe Place Houston, healing begins in one location supported by a coordinated and compassionate team.

“Safety is the first step—but healing, empowerment, and rebuilding are what make lasting change possible,” said Sonia Corrales, Interim President & CEO at HAWC. “One Safe Place Houston reflects our community’s deep commitment to survivors and our collective belief that everyone deserves to heal with dignity.”

Designed by GSMA Architects with Survivors in Mind

GSMA Architects, a Houston-based architecture firm known for its civic and community-centered work, led the design of the campus. Their vision prioritized dignity, safety, and healing—transforming traditional shelter models into a restorative and empowering environment.

From the earliest sketches to the final walkthroughs, GSMA Architects brought a deep intentionality to the design of One Safe Place Houston. Every apartment, corridor, and shared space was imagined in partnership with survivor advocates and frontline staff. The result: a trauma-informed, welcoming campus that balances privacy with connectivity and centers the dignity of every survivor.

“Spaces tell stories,” said Ann Rosenwinkel, AIA, LEED BD&C™. “This one tells survivors that they matter—that they are safe, supported, and surrounded by a community that sees their strength. We’re proud to help bring that message to life.”

Furnished for Function, Comfort, and Respect by CORT Furniture Rental

CORT Furniture Rental partnered with HAWC to furnish the entire campus, ensuring that every residential, counseling, and common area is equipped with high-quality, multi-functional furnishings that meet the needs of residents and staff alike. As a valued vendor, CORT’s contributions help make One Safe Place Houston feel like a home—not just a facility.

“Our goal is to help create spaces that uplift and support people,” said Todd Shell, CORT National Director of Supportive Housing. “We’re honored to play a part in a project that will have such a lasting impact on families and on Houston as a whole.”

A Collective Investment in Houston’s Future

One Safe Place Houston is a public commitment to the safety and wellbeing of survivors in our city. At a time when intimate partner violence and sexual assault remain deeply rooted public health and safety issues, this space offers a bold and coordinated response.

Its creation reflects what’s possible when organizations, design experts, community partners, advocates, corporate and civic leaders, and community members come together – not just to build a shelter, but to build a future where one does not have to choose between silence and survival.

“Thoughtful architecture and furniture design are not just aesthetic choices—they are part of a public health strategy that fosters safety, dignity, and healing for everyone who walks through the doors of One Safe Place Houston,” Corrales said.

Support HAWC’s mission by becoming a Lightkeeper – a community of supporters who provide the reliable, support survivors of violence count on every day.

Whether you’re looking to support our mission, explore the impact of One Safe Place Houston, or need immediate help – HAWC is here.

Visit www.hawc.org to learn more or call our 24/7 hotline at (713) 528-2121 for confidential support.

About Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC)

Since 1977, the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) has supported survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including sex trafficking. As the region's comprehensive rape crisis center, HAWC provides 24/7 crisis intervention, emergency and temporary supportive housing, counseling, legal advocacy, children’s services, career development, and prevention education.

HAWC also operates One Safe Place Houston, a flagship campus with 135 apartments offering housing for survivors and their families. With nearly 200 staff, HAWC empowers individuals and families to overcome trauma, achieve independence, and prevent future abuse.

We envision a future of safe relationships and thriving, violence-free communities, for all.

Learn more at www.hawc.org.

About GSMA

GSMA is a minority owned full-service architecture firm widely recognized for both its distinguished design achievements and worthy contributions to the greater community. Its professional team is closely-knit and collaborative, bringing an impressive compilation of far-reaching experience in the sectors of residential, civic, and commercial design.

GSMA's portfolio encompasses internationally awarded affordable housing communities and intricately designed community projects, with a particular focus on specialized housing solutions. Founded in 1996, GSMA has consistently created architecture that reflects the unique voices of its client.

The individuals that comprise GSMA are dedicated to being active members of the Houston community, contributing their time to serve in volunteer roles with organizations that support local schools, the arts, community neighborhoods, and civic planning boards in the area.

The GSMA team is committed to celebrating and supporting Houston's architecture with its colleagues in the design profession. Together with its clients, GSMA aspires to design buildings that have a lasting positive impact on the people they support and the community where they live.

About CORT

CORT, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is the nation’s leading provider of transition services, including furniture rental for home and office, trade show and event furnishings, and other services. Our operations span across the United States, extend to the United Kingdom, and through a proprietary global network of partners, reach over 80 countries around the world. We are committed to being an indispensable resource to our customers in crucial moments—transforming houses into homes, offices into inspiring workplaces, and events into cherished celebrations. Committed to excellence, CORT believes everything is possible through service. For more information, please visit www.cort.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250821103915/en/