Project Renewal Frontline Hero Wins Battle With COVID

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Project Renewal’s frontline team has worked heroically around the clock to keep the New Yorkers we serve housed and healthy. While our strict safety protocols have helped limit infections among our staff, Jamel Robinson, a shift supervisor at our Fort Washington Men’s shelter, contracted COVID-19 in April, during the darkest days of the pandemic in New York City. He was bedridden in his apartment, unable to keep down food or water.

Jamel is back at work at our Fort Washington shelter after battling COVID

Two weeks in, Jamel’s condition took a turn for the worse. He could no longer even walk to the bathroom, and he was rushed to the hospital. Jamel had developed a COVID-related blood clot in his leg that might have proven fatal. He spent a month in the hospital recovering. 

Fortunately, as a part of our annual effort to sign our newer employees up for medical coverage, we had helped Jamel register for health insurance several weeks before his ordeal began. The benefits kicked in right when he entered the hospital, and all of his medical expenses were covered. 

Our staff kept in contact with Jamel throughout his hospital stay, texting him regularly and making sure he was getting proper medical treatment. Now, Jamel is back at Fort Washington, and fully recovered. He’s working to keep shelter residents safe and healthy during the pandemic. 

“For me to still be alive is a blessing,” Jamel says. “I want to get my story out, to raise awareness among all those I work with, and everyone else out there, of how serious this virus is.”

Throughout the pandemic, Project Renewal has remained committed to the wellbeing of our staff. In addition to implementing measures to protect their physical health, we offer our team  regular mental health sessions to ensure they are supported as they continue their courageous and lifesaving work.