Standing in courtyard looking towards kitchen and dining building.

Standing in courtyard looking towards kitchen and dining building.

Central security building at dusk.

Central security building at dusk.

The Shelly Stayer Shelter is the first purpose-built shelter for human trafficking victims in the US.

This 25,000 sf structure completed in 2020 serves Immokalee with a place for up to 60 victims to stay for up to 6 months.

View from parking lot looking through occupant entrance towards security building.

View from parking lot looking through occupant entrance towards security building.

Standing in courtyard looking towards kitchen and dining building.

Standing in courtyard looking towards kitchen and dining building.

To make victims feel safe and as much as possible, at home, we used a residential scale and building forms instead of institutional. We divided the residential area into small, 4-unit pods. Each apartment has a front door onto the courtyard, giving the feel of a modest garden apartment. Parents can watch children play in the courtyard from their apartment and from the shared kitchen and living room areas.

Standing in courtyard looking towards kitchen and dining building.

Standing in courtyard looking towards kitchen and dining building.

To make victims feel safe and as much as possible, at home, we used a residential scale and building forms instead of institutional. We divided the residential area into small, 4-unit pods. Each apartment has a front door onto the courtyard, giving the feel of a modest garden apartment. Parents can watch children play in the courtyard from their apartment and from the shared kitchen and living room areas.

Main lobby with reception area and clerestory windows above.

Main lobby with reception area and clerestory windows above.

Spaces such as study rooms, nursery and indoor play are gathered around a security desk and informal seating area.

Central security desk with large windows to see all directions.

Central security desk with large windows to see all directions.

Design Award

AIA Florida Southwest

Honor Award for Design Excellence – 2020

Seating in security area with view out to courtyard.

Seating in security area with view out to courtyard.

Gallery