Measuring Impact
We developed Trauma-Informed Housing because we believe it ultimately creates strong outcomes for residents and staff, organizations and the affordable housing system as a whole
Trauma can influence a wide range of outcomes within the housing delivery system, including:
FOR RESIDENTS & STAFF:
Trauma impacts our bodies, brains and behavior, disrupting individual housing outcomes and well-being more generally. It can also take a lasting toll on staff, who have their own encounters with first and second hand trauma in their work and personal lives.
FOR ORGANIZATIONS:
Trauma impedes our success as an organization. When residents are unable to comply with complex housing rules and policies, our business suffers. When staff are overwhelmed or exhausted, our mission suffers.
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING DELIVERY SYSTEM:
When we overlook the impact of trauma on people and communities, we miss opportunities to improve resident, property, and community outcomes – and run the risk of perpetuating harm.
Tools & Resources
Ready to start integrating trauma-informed measures? These practical tools offer different methods and approaches – from changes to mindsets and actions to longitudinal feedback surveys:
outcomes worksheet
Use this worksheet to collaboratively define what success looks like in your trauma-informed journey—across mindsets, actions, and conditions. Includes prompts for team reflection and prioritization.
resident survey
Evaluate how residents experience belonging, agency, safety, and healing in your community. Designed to track trauma-informed progress over time.
staff survey
Evaluated how staff experienced belonging, agency, burnout, and trauma-informed practices in the workplace. Designed to track trauma-informed progress over time.
trauma-informed housing theory of change
This resource outlines POAH’s strategy for embedding trauma-informed practices across housing operations—from design and development to staff support and resident services. Use it to understand how trauma impacts housing outcomes and how a systems-level approach can improve well-being, retention, and property performance.