Denver has always been a city that has been at the forefront of addressing social issues, and one of the most pressing issues that the city has been tackling is the problem of homelessness. In recent years, the number of temporarily unhoused people in the city has been increasing, and it has become a major concern for the local authorities. However, the good news is that there are organizations like the Volunteers of America Colorado (VOAC) that are working tirelessly to mitigate this issue.
Global Construction was fortunate enough to sit down with Bret Bridgewater, the Vice President of Building Services & Safety at VOAC, to learn more about the amazing work that the organization is doing. Bret, an Air Force Veteran, has been with VOAC for over a decade, building quality and necessary community and housing centers across Colorado. His passion for service is evident in his work, and he is an inspiration to all.
One of the most impressive projects that VOAC has undertaken is the Theodora Family Hotel. The Family Hotel is a first-of-its-kind transitional housing facility in Colorado that is specifically designed to cater to families who are transitioning into permanent housing. With 60 units being built, this family-friendly state-of-the-art housing facility will play a vital role in our community. But what makes this project truly revolutionary is the design schema that it is based on, called Trauma-Informed Design (TID). VOAC has partnered with Shopworks Architecture to implement this unique housing model.
We were also lucky enough to speak with Laura Rossbert, C
hief Operating Officer at Shopworks Architecture, to learn more about TID and how it helps uplift our communities. Laura has been working on and refining this model of housing for almost a decade, and she is excited to see it being implemented in the VOAC’s Family Hotel. TID creates a secure, healthful physical environment that is mindfully created with the temporarily unhoused in mind. The work now centers around evidence-based practices and design to help those who have been traumatized live and thrive in their environments.
The impact that VOA has already had amongst the community is incredible, and the hundreds of families they have housed is a testament to their hard work and dedication. By building quality housing divisions, shelters, early childhood education centers, community kitchens, and a veteran’s support center, VOAC is fulfilling its mission, which is to go where they are needed and do what needs to be done.
At Global Construction, we are proud to partner with organizations like VOAC and work on projects that have a positive impact on our community. Building a relationship with Bret and VOAC has been incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to working with them on many more projects in the future. Together, we can make a difference and transform the lives of our fellow Coloradans one build at a time.
Written by Trisha B.
