We often focus on the supports tenants need, but what about the spaces they live in? For tenants with complex needs, building design can set them up for success or create ongoing challenges.  

In this session, supportive housing sector leader Homes First shares their frontline experience designing and operating housing for tenants with complex needs. Discover how intentional, tenant-centered design, paired with practical and cost-effective technologies, can create more stable environments for both tenants and staff. 

You’ll explore: 

• The impact of poor design: How design choices like poor layouts and overlooked details can fuel conflict and damage, and what better, tenant-focused design looks like 

• Smarter building strategies: Tips on choosing durable materials, optimizing space, and designing repairable units 

• Harm reduction technologies: Low-cost, life-saving tools that are staff-friendly and proven to work 

Whether you’re looking to build new or upgrade, leave with practical ideas to strengthen tenancies through design.