How to Create a Storage Solution

Written by Christie Love

This guide will share the need for innovative storage solutions for individuals without stable shelter, give examples of best practices, and provide a model that is easy to replicate for faith communities.

Trauma Training Takeaway: People who do not have stable shelter have to worry constantly about the safety and security of themselves and of their belongings. The term for this reaction is called hyper-vigilance.

“Hyper-vigilance is a basic human survival mechanism,” Dr. Albers [From the Cleveland Clinic] explains. “It allows us to sense predators and threats to our safety. But with hypervigilance, you’re feel [sic] like you’re constantly under threat. Put differently, the amygdala — the part of your brain that’s responsible for managing emotions — is on overdrive.” (1)

This prolonged brain response can have numerous impacts on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health, including sleep disturbances, metabolism changes, memory issues, anxiety/panic, depression, higher blood pressure, and other impacts.

Providing a storage solution for individuals is a trauma-informed way you can give their bodies and their brains a much-needed rest from the constant demand of carrying their belongings and keeping them safe at all times.

(1) Always on alert: Causes and examples of hypervigilance, March 19, 2024. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hypervigilance.