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From Shelter to Strength: Integrating Health and Wellness in Family Homeless Shelters Using an Occupational Therapy Lens
Rodgers, Jessica
Rodgers, Jessica
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Thesis/Dissertation
Date
2025
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Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
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https://doi.org/10.34944/zxrb-sm17
Abstract
This capstone project aims to enhance the health and wellness services offered to families experiencing homelessness at Homefront, a family shelter in Mercer County, New Jersey. Through a comprehensive needs assessment, including resident surveys, staff interviews, and stakeholder feedback, key gaps were identified in programming accessibility, relevance, and intake procedures. In response, a streamlined intake process and new health-focused programs were developed and implemented, including wellness classes, cooking workshops, and accessible health education resources. Outcomes demonstrated significant increases in resident engagement, clinic attendance, and program utilization. The project highlights the valuable role of occupational therapy in promoting health equity and occupational justice for underserved populations and provides a sustainable model for addressing health disparities in community shelter settings.
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