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With over 100,000 Massachusetts children experiencing homelessness, half under the age of six, family shelters are always filled with children. Just like young children living in homes, young homeless children need access to educational and recreational opportunities that allow them to develop their physical, social, emotional, and pre-academic skills.
On May 11, Horizons for Homeless Children (HHC), a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of homeless children in Massachusetts, re-installed a "Playspace" (educational and recreational space) for children living at Greenfield Family Inn, a congregate family shelter which provides temporary room, board and support to families in crisis. The Playspace provides children at the shelter with a fun, safe and stimulating environment in which to learn, grow and play, and comes equipped with books, play equipment and art supplies.
The Playspace is 'staffed' by HHC volunteers called Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs) who dedicate two hours each week to playing with, mentoring and encouraging the young children living in Greenfield Family Inn. For children living in shelter, a consistent, positive adult influence dedicated to enabling their fun and education is imperative to their healthy academic, social and emotional development.
"The re-installation of this Playspace in the Greenfield Family Inn is a significant occasion for the children living at there," said Åsa Fanelli, President and CEO of Horizons for Homeless Children. "Children in shelter require and deserve a stable, positive environment in which to grow and develop and we are excited to collaborate with the Greenfield Family Inn to provide this for their youngest residents."
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