In Phoenix, Arizona, the Salvation Army Herberger Campus Family Services Center stands as a model of how thoughtful design and durable, trauma-informed furnishings can transform lives. This case study follows the project chronologically, from vision to completion, and highlights how Norix’s emergency shelter furniture and transitional housing seating solutions supported the mission of creating a safe, homelike environment for families in crisis.

Setting the Stage: A Growing Need

The Salvation Army’s Southwest Divisional Headquarters oversees programs in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, serving more than 3 million people annually. Phoenix alone accounts for over 150,000 people helped each year through domestic-violence shelters, emergency-assistance programs, and homeless-outreach initiatives.

By 2007, it was clear that the existing campus needed reimagining. Deutsch Architecture Group was tasked with renovating the headquarters and designing a new Family Services Center that could provide long-term impact for families in transition.

Vision and Goals

Completed in 2012, the new 30,000-square-foot shelter facility was built to house 96 residents across 24 apartment-style suites. The project vision was clear: provide a safe haven that preserves family dynamics, supports healing, and offers hope for the future.

Mary Alice McKone, Program Director of Hope for a Home, emphasized that families staying at the shelter anywhere from a few days to four months needed an environment where life could feel as normal as possible. “Families come here to renew and rebuild,” she said, “and the space must support that journey.”

Key Goals Included

  • Safety: Furniture with no sharp edges, no removable parts, and tamper-resistant construction.
  • Durability: Furnishings designed to withstand heavy use while extending replacement cycles.
  • Comfort: A homelike feel that reduces stress and supports dignity.
  • Accessibility: Accommodations for residents with visual or mobility challenges.
  • Maintenance: Easy-to-clean surfaces suitable for high turnover in emergency housing.

Choosing the Right Shelter Furniture

To meet these goals, Norix collaborated with WORKspaces and Kanche and Associates, using a mobile showroom to demonstrate options. “Functionality, durability and aesthetics were the primary criteria,” explained Laura Carlson of WORKspaces. Norix provided a full “mock room” setup so administrators and donors could see how the space would look and function in real life.

The final selection included a blend of seating, tables, and case goods that balanced durability with comfort.

Titan® Series Steel Case Goods

Built from heavy-gauge steel with tamper-resistant hardware, the Titan® Series provided secure storage that met the project’s need for safety, longevity, and cost-efficiency. Its seamless edges and institutional-grade durability made it ideal for family shelter furniture where constant use is the norm.

Hondo® Series Lounge Seating

The Hondo® Nuevo Series of seats and stools combined strength with comfort. Its one-piece rotationally molded design ensured no hidden areas for contraband and no small parts that could pose risks. Yet, the contoured ergonomic form and wide seat made it inviting for families seeking a place to rest together.

Madera Series Tables

The Madera Series introduced warmth and a residential aesthetic to communal spaces. Constructed with resilient laminate surfaces, these tables balanced the homelike appeal with the ability to withstand spills, cleaning, and heavy traffic.

Construction and Installation

Once the furniture was selected, WORKspaces coordinated installation. Norix provided specialized shelter furniture proven to perform in transitional housing environments. The process was seamless, balancing the architect’s vision with operational requirements and budget realities.

Opening Day and Community Impact

The Family Services Center opened in April 2012 with capacity for 96 residents. Its impact was immediate. The first families to enter described the suites (complete with private bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchenettes, and living rooms) as life-changing.

One resident moving in declared, “I feel like I have walked into heaven.”

Richard Zuloaga, project construction manager, described the campus as “a veritable oasis in an otherwise blighted stretch along Van Buren.” Beyond safe housing, the center offered supportive amenities: a cafeteria with movie projection, a splash-pad playground, and on-site counseling services to help residents rebuild their lives.

Lt. Col. Doug Danielson of the Salvation Army summed up the philosophy best: “The Herberger Campus is a tremendous resource. Our priority is to remain good stewards of that resource. This plan is the best way to take what we have and make it better for those we serve.”

Long-Term Success

Years later, the Herberger Family Services Center continues to be a cornerstone of Phoenix’s emergency shelter and transitional housing network. The carefully chosen Norix furniture extends replacement cycles, reducing costs while maintaining a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

The project stands as proof that durable, institutional-grade furniture doesn’t have to feel cold or institutional. Instead, it can contribute to trauma-informed environments that support renewal and long-term stability for families.

Common Questions About Shelter Furniture

Why is specialized furniture necessary in emergency shelters?
Shelters face high turnover and constant use. Specialized furniture prevents damage, reduces safety risks, and creates a stable environment that helps families feel at ease.

What makes Norix furniture different from traditional residential furniture?
Norix furniture is designed for 24/7 intensive-use environments like shelters and transitional housing. Products are tamper-resistant, ligature-resistant, and built to last without sacrificing comfort.

How do furnishings affect the success of transitional housing programs?
Durable, homelike furnishings create stability, reduce stress, and help residents feel safe, making it easier for families to focus on employment, education, and permanent housing.

Can Norix furniture be customized to match the design of a specific shelter?
Yes. Norix products are available in multiple colors, finishes, and styles to complement local architecture and create a more residential, trauma-informed aesthetic.

Better Furniture, Better Emergency Shelter

The Salvation Army Herberger Campus Family Services Center illustrates how durable, trauma-informed furniture supports emergency shelters and transitional housing goals. By balancing safety, comfort, and aesthetics, Norix helped create a place where families can heal, rebuild, and transition to permanent housing.

Interested In Upgrading Your Shelter? 

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

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