Publication Date
Fall 2025
Degree Type
Doctoral Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Graham Teaford
Second Advisor
Lea Le
Third Advisor
Courtney Boitano
Keywords
Unhoused, Vulnerable women, Occupational justice, Occupational therapy
Abstract
Homelessness is a multifaceted, complex issue that we face as a society. Mainstream services provided to homeless or vulnerable populations tend to focus on housing and basic services. While these are essential and meaningful, literature suggests there is a lack in trauma and self-care support (Marzana et al., 2023; Milaney et al., 2020). Looking through an Occupational Therapy (OT) lens, there are a multitude of ways the profession can provide holistic care. Current OT service provision within this population most commonly focuses on obtaining and maintaining housing and addressing the survival occupations these individuals may be engaging in (Cunningham & Slade, 2019; Thomas et al., 2011). However, the scope of occupational therapy is expansive and many services that are absent within shelters may be addressed through occupation-based services. Additionally, there appears to be a persistent lack of understanding regarding the unique position of OT to provide trauma- and client-centered care to homeless or vulnerable individuals.
Women experiencing homelessness or vulnerability are an underserved subpopulation and require specialized care suited to their needs. The presented findings highlight the unique role of OT in providing gendered and trauma-informed care to support the overall health and well-being of women who frequent shelters. The purpose of this project was to provide a women’s day shelter in Pasadena, CA with a framework for the development of an Occupational Therapy position for homeless or vulnerable women to receive gendered and trauma-informed services and resources for the betterment of their health and wellbeing.
Recommended Citation
Sato, Alex, "Bridging Gaps with Occupational Therapy: The Unique Role of Occupational Therapy in Women’s Day Shelters" (2025). Doctoral Projects. 200.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.fg6z-pqja
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_doctoral/200
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