When Housing Becomes Healing: Vanessa Volz on Trauma-Informed Support

Note: This episode includes discussion of survivor recovery and support in the context of domestic violence and human trafficking. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, we’re honored to bring you this inspiring conversation on WAHNcast. Hosts Angie Truitt and New England WAHN President Susanna Medoff sit down with Vanessa Volz, President and CEO of Sojourner House, a Rhode Island nonprofit redefining what survivor support and housing can look like. Vanessa shares how Sojourner House evolved from a small crisis hotline into a multifaceted agency offering trauma-informed housing, legal aid, and wrap-around support for hundreds of survivors and families each year. She reflects on her leadership journey — from attorney to nonprofit change-agent — and how building safe, stable homes is a key part of helping survivors rebuild their lives. This conversation highlights: the critical role of safe, affordable housing in healing and stability how partnerships and systems change make a difference what it means to stand with survivors, always If you or someone you know is in need of help, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or visit thehotline.org — confidential support and local resources are available 24/7. Listen now and join us in honoring survivors and advancing hope, healing and community. Visit: https://sojournerri.org