FROM CONFLICT TO CONNECTION
“Growing up, I wasn’t taught to talk it out—we fought it out,” Grand reflects. Throughout his life, he often clashed with others and struggled to resolve conflicts without using violence. This approach came to a head when a confrontation to protect his son turned physical, and Grand was incarcerated.
After his release, Grand moved into Project Renewal’s Villa Avenue residence in the Bronx. While resistant to engaging with Villa’s supportive services at first, an altercation with another tenant led to a pivotal moment. When talking to Program Director Jermaine Pope, Grand realized he needed better coping mechanisms to handle the unresolved anger he had been carrying. Jermaine has now become a confidant and source of
support for Grand. “I think I’m super sensitive but a tough guy at the same time. I just didn’t know how to express myself,” Grand says. He began to embrace therapy, address his past, and adopt a healthier mentality.
Today, Grand resolves—rather than reacts to—disputes. He loves spending time helping others, and works alongside Jermaine to assist new residents as they move in. Grand has also saved lives, administering the overdose reversal medication Narcan five times.
Grand is rediscovering the activities that bring him joy, including running and cooking healthy meals. “I should say this more—I’m grateful,” Grand says. “This isn’t what I wanted, but it is what I needed.”
Grand (L) and Jermaine Pope (R) play pool at Project Renewal’s Villa Avenue residence.
FROM OUR CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
BUILDING COMMUNITY AT PROJECT RENEWAL
Dear Friends,
We’re pleased to tell you how we’re making a difference and building strong communities in new and exciting ways, thanks to your support.
In this issue, you’ll learn how Project Renewal has recently radically transformed two of our residential programs to provide clients with more personalized attention and is developing a robust real estate pipeline (page 3) to combat New York City’s housing crisis.
Addressing the challenges our clients experience often requires a community of support and a multi-pronged interdisciplinary approach. Thanks to expanded occupational therapy services, our expert staff are better able to collaborate across different programs. Linda’s story (see right) illustrates how partnering with an occupational therapist can connect clients to a network of partners who will support their path to renewal.
At Project Renewal, we have embraced innovation for over 55 years. Your generosity enables us to be nimble in our delivery of the most effective health, housing, and job training programs for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
On behalf of our clients, residents, and staff, thank you!
Sincerely,
Doreen Thomann-Howe Chief Operating Officer
A
STORY OF RENEWAL
—Linda
"Project Renewal helped me live my life how I want to live it.”
LINDA’S LIFE COMES INTO FOCUS
When Linda met Hailey, an occupational therapist at Project Renewal’s New Providence Women’s Shelter, they instantly connected. Linda had just moved in after sleeping on the subway for over a year, and together, they began to address all aspects of Linda’s well-being—starting with seeing an optometrist for her critical vision challenges.
“Once I got eye care, everything changed for me,” Linda says. “I am more alert and aware. I can get around, and I’m tuned in to what I need to do to achieve my next goals.”
Linda’s success story is one of many. As we’ve expanded occupational therapy across 20 of our programs, we’ve strengthened integration and collaboration. Occupational therapists are a hub of resources, connecting clients to multiple services for long-term stability. For Linda, that meant getting access to mental and physical health care and visiting our shelter-based dentist, which improved her ability to eat, and gave her confidence in her smile.
Linda worked with Hailey to hone skills for independence, like budgeting, reducing stress, and managing interpersonal relationships. She is proud of how far she has come, and looks forward to getting her own apartment, re-entering the workforce, and reconnecting with her family.
“Project Renewal helped me live my life how I want to live it,” Linda says.
STAFF MEMBER Q&A
JACKIE LUNA,
DIRECTOR OF
RENEWAL
HOUSE, AND JERMAINE POPE, DIRECTOR OF VILLA AVENUE
Jackie and Jermaine have recently taken the helm as program directors at two of our Bronx housing programs and are championing a new era of community and connection for residents of these programs.
Q: How have your programs evolved since you became director?
Jackie: I am overseeing the significant shift from a transitional residence, which offered a two-year stay, to a permanent supportive residence for people with histories of substance use. Our tenants can be here for as long as they need, and we are building stronger relationships with them.
Jermaine: Most of our tenants kept to themselves. My goal has been to foster a more inclusive and dynamic environment. I’ve brought in new programs and resources to ensure people have the opportunity to engage with one another and build community.
Q: Are there small changes that have made a big difference?
Jackie: We’ve changed the communal space to make it cozier, which has gotten great feedback. I am happy to see residents relaxing and socializing on the sofas in the common spaces rather than staying in their own rooms.
Jermaine: Laundry is now accessible 24/7 and is free of charge to those who need it. We’ve seen tenant confidence increase— they feel good about themselves and can breathe a little. Those positive vibes are tangible.
“Ensuring that residents are taking the lead in setting their own goals is helpful for building trust.”
—Jackie
Q: How are you spearheading a fresh start for your community?
Jackie: We are shifting away from an abstinence-only model towards a harm reduction approach. Ensuring that residents are taking the lead in setting their own goals is helpful for building trust. If folks want to use substances less often, or more safely, we support them in those efforts.
Jermaine: We are focused on respect and making sure people feel seen and heard. This has made it easier for staff and tenants to connect—over 80 percent of tenants now regularly participate in community events. We recently hosted a potluck dinner that felt like a fun family gathering.
NEW BUILDINGS, NEW FUTURES
As the need for affordable housing in New York City skyrockets, Project Renewal is developing real estate projects across three boroughs. We’re building stronger communities by creating almost 1,000 new units of housing and shelter to support residents’ stability, well-being, and independence.
Bedford Green House II
Opening: January 2025
We will provide 116 affordable units and supportive services, featuring a primary care medical clinic open to the community, a fitness room, a landscaped backyard, and The Molly B. Kronick Library and Learning Center. Residents have access to the rooftop greenhouse and aquaponics farming system next door at Bedford Green House I, a 117-unit building that opened in 2022.
BROOKLYN
Barbara Kleiman Men’s Shelter
Opening: October 2025
In partnership with The Hudson Companies and St. Nicks Alliance, Project Renewal broke ground in 2023 on the 200-bed shelter, part of a mixed-use redevelopment at the old Greenpoint Hospital campus in East Williamsburg.
In 2023, we acquired a city-owned building on East 45th Street where we have operated the New Providence Women’s Shelter for the last 26 years. The new residence will include 171 shelter beds, 131 units of permanent supportive housing, and a 2,500-square-foot medical clinic. REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
West 59th Street Women’s Shelter
Opening: October 2025
In 2023, we demolished an underused building to begin constructing a 200-bed women’s shelter with onsite health and social services.
New Providence Women’s Shelter and Housing
Opening: Fall 2026
THE BRONX
MANHATTAN
GAME NIGHT AT THIRD STREET
Volunteer leaders from Project Renewal’s Junior Board (JB) gathered at our Third Street Men’s Shelter for a night of pizza, cards, dominoes, and board games. JB members and clients bonded over memories of playing games in their childhoods as they competed to be the night’s champion!
The Junior Board and the Young Professionals Network plan regular volunteer outings at a variety of Project Renewal sites to connect with clients, engage with staff, and see Project Renewal’s work in action. To learn more and get involved, email volunteer@projectrenewal.org
PLANTS PROMOTE HEALING AT THE RECOVERY CENTER
Project Renewal’s Recovery Center (TRC) offers outpatient treatment for substance use disorder, with the goal of helping individuals reduce harm associated with drug use and enabling them to lead self-sufficient lives. TRC is home to a beautiful garden and greenhouse that cultivate community and provide opportunities for self care. Participants grow a variety of plants and host regular sales open to the public throughout the spring and summer. Check out @recoverycenternyc on Instagram for details.
COMMUNITY GATHERING
BEDFORD GREEN HOUSE CELEBRATES SUNNY WEATHER
The team at Bedford Green House hosted a “Welcome to Spring” event with Da Bronx Spanish Mob Ruff Ryders, a local partner that aims to give back and uplift families in the community. Tenants of all ages celebrated the season with food, music, and crafts! One resident said, “It was the best time I have had in so long. The best medicine.”
