Introducing the 2024 Rebuilding Together Howard University Fellows

Rebuilding Together has partnered with Howard University for a third year to offer occupational therapy students research fellowship opportunities in conjunction with developing the Rural Capacity Building (RCB) program for Rural Housing Development Organizations (RHDOs) throughout the United States.

The fellowship program was originally launched in January 2022 with a positive response from the fellows and Rebuilding Together affiliates who participated. Year after year, affiliates have reported the impact this program has had on building their capacity to provide community oriented services and increased understanding of accessibility and occupational therapy approaches. Through this program, affiliates have made lasting and notable occupational therapy partnerships that transcend beyond the fellowship period. Previous fellows, now licensed and practicing clinicians, additionally convey how their participation in the program has impacted their trajectory by increasing their confidence and leadership skills, ability to deliver clinical services in rural areas and understanding the connection of aging in place, community and health. 

This year, fellows will be working with Rebuilding Together affiliates serving communities in Sonoma County, CA, Kanawha County, WV and Washoe County, NV. While some of 2024 fellows reported having some previous experience with home repair projects, all of them expressed an interest in growing their knowledge of nonprofit organizations and the role of occupational therapy in home repairs and modifications, and rural housing. Fellows reported feeling excited and thankful to participate in the fellowship program during their orientation. Stay tuned throughout this spring to hear from fellows directly about their work with host affiliates!

Introducing the 2024 Rebuilding Together Howard University Fellows & Host Affiliates: