The new Oregon Department of Human Services trauma-informed building in Gresham is expected to open this month, January 2022.
Child Welfare Division offices in the new building are expected to be open January 24. Self-Sufficiency Programs offices are expected to be open January 31.
The three story, 96,000 square-foot building, located at 635 S.E. 223rd Avenue, will house Child Welfare and Self-Sufficiency Programs There will also be conference rooms available for community meetings. The addition of ODHS programs brings more access to anti-poverty resources to this community.
The trauma-informed design creates a physical environment that promotes a sense of safety and calm for the children, adults, and families we serve as well as ODHS staff. Trauma-informed design helps visitors and staff have a positive experience in our building. Research has shown that environments can increase or reduce our stress levels.
Some of the design features include: quiet areas that respect the privacy of people; outside seating; the type of art on the walls will selected to help reduce stress and bring a feeling of connection and an open plaza outside the building will have a bioswale watered from the roof’s rainwater runoff. A little bridge will cross the bioswale.
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