The Challenge – Meeting Growing Needs for Women’s and Family Transitional Housing

Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County (UGM-TC) in Fort Worth, TX has provided critical shelter and support services to homeless individuals for over 128 years. As a Christian organization dedicated to offering “love, hope, respect and a new beginning for the homeless,” UGM-TC faced a significant challenge when they began receiving 200+ monthly calls from women and families seeking shelter – a demographic they weren’t fully equipped to serve.


“Our main priority is to work with each individual until they can get employment and housing,” explains Don Shisler, UGM-TC President and CEO. “But we also conduct 32 worship services a week and approach our work both from a spiritual and case management perspective.”

The Solution – A Purpose-Built Facility with Durable, Residential-Style Furniture

To address this growing need, UGM-TC embarked on planning and fundraising for a new 40,000 square foot facility specifically designed for women and families. The goal was clear: create an environment that was efficient, easily maintained, visually appealing, and uplifting to residents.

Key Furniture Requirements:

Exceptional Durability: “In the past, when we used wood furniture, it was just a matter of time before it fell apart,” Shisler noted. “The dollars we raise don’t come easy, so we needed furniture that was going to last a long time.”

Residential Aesthetic: The facility required furniture that humanized the space rather than creating an institutional feel.

Easy Maintenance: The furniture needed to withstand constant use while remaining simple to clean and maintain.

A Trusted Partnership

Having previously purchased Norix products that remained in excellent condition after 14 years of use, UGM-TC turned to Norix again for this major project. Over an eight-month period, Norix Consultant Sales Specialist Mike Provencher worked closely with Shisler to create a comprehensive plan that met all their needs.

“Mr. Shisler was familiar with Norix products and knew what he wanted,” Provencher explained. “He needed furniture that looked residential, was highly durable and easy to maintain. He wanted to create an environment that felt more like a dorm than your typical institutional shelter.”

The Results – A Transformative Environment for Residents

In March 2016, The Scott Walker Women and Families Services Building opened its doors. The facility features:

  • 28 double-occupancy rooms for single women
  • 5 rooms for men with children
  • 5 rooms for couples with children
  • 12-bed overnight shelter for women
  • Chapel/prayer room and library/computer room
  • Various amenities for residents and staff

Norix Products Selected for the Project:

To enhance the residential feel, UGM-TC selected products with decorative woodgrain laminate headboards, drawer fronts, and door fronts.

Common Questions About Transitional Housing Furniture

How long should furniture last in a transitional housing facility or shelter?

Quality transitional housing furniture should last 10+ years with proper care. As Don Shisler experienced, “If you buy the right furniture, you only have to buy it once. If you are going to invest in furniture, you might as well invest in furniture that is going to last.” UGM-TC’s first Norix products were still in excellent condition after 14 years of continuous use.

How does furniture impact resident wellbeing?

Research shows that thoughtfully designed environments significantly impact emotional and psychological health. “A facility has the opportunity to lift a person’s spirit,” says Shisler. “That was our goal. We wanted to create a space that was pleasing to the eye and had a positive effect on the people who stay here.”

Professional Installation Ensures Long-Term Performance

To maximize their investment, UGM-TC utilized Norix’s Factory Installation Services, which included:

  • Detailed scope-of-work documentation
  • Project scheduling and coordination
  • Furniture delivery, distribution, and assembly
  • Specialized anchoring and security measures
  • Complete removal of packing materials
  • Final walk-through and sign-off

“The last time we tried to install furniture ourselves it was a fiasco and we ended hiring people to do it anyway,” Shisler recalled. “This time we decided to go with Norix and their team who are specially trained and do this work all of the time.”

The Impact – Creating Dignity Through Design

“Everyone is thankful and appreciates the quality of the furniture,” Shisler reported. “We have received nothing but rave reviews regarding the products, including the donors and the people using the facility.”

By choosing Norix furniture that balances durability with residential aesthetics, UGM-TC succeeded in creating a facility that supports their mission while providing dignity to those they serve.

Interested In Upgrading Your Healthcare Facility? 

Anti ligature. Ballastable. Greenguard Gold certified. Norix furniture checks every box. Request a quote today for your facility.

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