We believe the women who come to our new shelter, Bethanie’s Room, deserve more than just a room with beds. That’s why we’ve made a significant investment in a partnership with trauma-informed interior designer Hannah Dahlquist of OUI Design. Every choice—from the paint on the walls to the softness of the lighting—is being made to restore dignity and help women in crisis rest and recover. We came to know Hannah through her work with our friends at Rose Haven, a day center serving women experiencing homelessness.
Hannah Dahlquist of OUI Design.
Designing Bethanie’s Room with Care: A Conversation with Hannah Dahlquist, Founder of OUI Design
Q: What does trauma-informed interior design mean?
Hannah: It’s an approach that recognizes how past trauma shapes the way people experience space. Every detail—from lighting to sound to layout—is chosen to reduce triggers and promote safety, dignity, and rest. At Bethanie’s Room, we’re weaving these principles throughout so women can feel empowered and truly heal.
A photo of Bethanie is placed in front of the building that will soon become a women’s shelter named in her honor—a space dedicated to safety, dignity, and hope.
Q: How will these principles show up in the shelter?
Hannah: We’re using calming tones, soft lighting that feels gentle, and sound-masking technology to reduce disruptive noise. There will be greenery to bring a sense of calm, secure storage so belongings are safe, and reset rooms where women in crisis can find refuge. Even the building exterior will receive an uplift, which will set the tone before you even enter the space.
We must understand and recognize the reality that we will be welcoming many different guests at the door. Some may arrive in the midst of a crisis. Our responsibility goes beyond psychological and physical safety—it means creating an environment that is calm, simple, and restorative.
This includes maintaining clear pathways with minimal obstructions, ensuring personal belongings are stored safely, and offering reset rooms where someone in an active crisis can find private refuge. In those moments, a guest may be highly physical, so our goal is to design spaces that prevent harm to themselves or others. That’s why the environment is intentionally minimal, soft, clean, and dimly lit.
No two people are alike. We can only prepare as thoughtfully as possible to meet a wide range of needs, knowing that flexibility and compassion must guide our response.
The interior of Bethanie’s Room before trauma-informed renovations.
Q: Why is this so important?
Hannah: You could open a shelter today with just beds and walls, but this kind of investment transforms it into a space of dignity.
When a space feels institutional, it can unintentionally retraumatize someone. Even places meant for healing—like hospitals or emergency rooms—can become sites of deep pain. For a guest who has endured an overdose or spent their darkest hours there, the long corridors, harsh lighting, and constant beeping can all serve as powerful triggers.
When women feel safe, they can rest. And when they can rest, they can recover. That’s why Blanchet House’s commitment to trauma-informed design is so powerful.
Q: What are you doing to make sure this shelter has a positive impact on the community?
It’s natural to fear the unknown. Right now, I understand why neighbors may feel uncertain—because they haven’t yet seen Bethanie’s Room in action, it’s easy to imagine the worst. But what we are creating is something very different.
Bethanie’s Room will be a hospitality-driven beacon of light and care. When you see it come to life, I believe you’ll begin to understand our intentions. The building will be painted in cheerful colors, volunteers will welcome guests with warmth, and small touches—like twinkling lights—will make it a place that feels safe and hopeful.
We are transforming this space into something far better than it was as a commercial property. It will show up in the neighborhood as a thoughtful, caring presence. I think many will be surprised at how positive the impact will be. We ask for your openness as this vision unfolds, and we are confident the results will speak for themselves.
Q: What motivates you personally in this work?
Hannah: I care deeply about houselessness and women’s health. I became a designer to uplift others, and this project brings both passions together. Bethanie’s Room has a heartfelt energy—neighbors will see it’s more than a shelter, it’s a beacon of light, love, and community care.
You can help make this vision a reality. Your gift today will ensure Bethanie’s Room is a safe, dignified place where women can rest and recover. DONATE >>
