DrAli Fogarty

Families in social and affordable housing (SAH) often face intersecting disadvantages, including trauma, domestic and family violence, housing insecurity, and poor mental health. While SAH provides essential support, poorly designed housing can compound distress. The built environment plays a critical role in psychosocial recovery, particularly for children, for whom home shapes development and wellbeing. Yet trauma- and psychologically informed design (TID) remains largely absent from SAH policy and practice. Homes that Heal addresses this gap through an interdisciplinary collaboration between Psychology and Architecture, with partners meli and Cottage by the Sea embedding lived experience in SAH design. Since 2024, the team has examined women’s housing needs and children’s relationships with home through interviews, “draw & tell” workshops, and co-creation with design professionals. The project translates children’s drawings and voices into practical Homes that Heal design principles to support recovery, development, and wellbeing.

The Bridge Youth Service Inc. - $28,000.00

Tweddle Child & Family Health Service - $54,652.00