Dignity of Space

When our guests walk through the door of the Newton House of Hope, our seven-bedroom, five-bathroom emergency housing shelter, one of the first things they see is a sign that says, “please take what you need.”

The sign invites them to choose cozy and warm clothing, help themselves to diapers and formula, use laundry facilities and access a well-stocked pantry and kitchen. Easy access to the supplies of daily life is intentional.

Domestic and sexual violence are rooted in the dynamics of power and control. Removing those dynamics from the first moment someone enters our door is a critical first step of restoring dignity and agency to our guests.

“Often our clients come to us immersed in and understandably overwhelmed by the trauma they have experienced,” said Shannon Brooks Hamby, executive director of CSN. “A clean, well-maintained space ensures that they can focus on their healing and their journey to safety.”

The Newton House of Hope was built in 1999 and named for the generous support of local philanthropists Gloria and Bill Newton. Thoughtful design was part of the original building plan, with a kitchen and office/reading room that look out into a courtyard where children can play while a parent can keep an eye on them.

 

Inside, rooms are furnished with new and nearly new donations from our generous community. Bunk beds and trundle beds ensure that families can easily share a room. Colors are muted and calm. Fabrics are soft and comfortable. CSN staff are continuously engaged in updating the Newton House of Hope to ensure that guests can rest, maintain their jobs, process trauma and safety plan with our team of advocates.

“I’ve had multiple guests share that their stay in our emergency housing allowed them to relax and sleep for the first time in months,” said Aubrey, residential case manager for CSN.

“They aren’t walking on eggshells anymore. They can help themselves to whatever they need without asking or bartering. Sometimes the most rewarding thing is hearing clients laugh – at a joke, or a funny movie, or with their children – and seeing joy start to become part of their lives.”