Project Renewal therapist describes occupational‑therapy program at Bedford Greenhouse for formerly unhoused residents

Camila Romo, an occupational therapist with Project Renewal, described a program at Bedford Greenhouse that helps residents who were formerly unhoused or who have chronic health conditions learn or relearn daily‑living skills. "Ocupa­cional significa las ocupaciones de todos los días ... nosotros les ayudamos día en día a desarrollar estas habilidades," she said, explaining the therapy focuses on routines such as managing appointments, medication schedules and household tasks.

Romo gave examples of skills taught in individual and group settings — budgeting, cooking, cleaning, following a schedule, and planning medical appointments — and said staff often accompany residents to appointments to support integration into community life. She recounted a case of a single mother admitted during a second phase of the housing project who, with program help, enrolled her child in school and developed routines that increased stability.

Project Renewal offers a broader menu of supports, Romo said, including shelters, psychiatric care, substance‑use services and medical supports across multiple boroughs. She estimated (inexactly) the Bedford Greenhouse community comprises roughly "60 y pico" single residents and about 24 families, and said residents are selected after interviews from area shelters.