Horizons For Homeless Children

Horizons for Homeless Children improves the lives of young children and their families who are experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts and helps their families to succeed by providing high-quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. We also advocate on behalf of young children, train educators and human services providers, and provide research on the impact of early education on homeless children.

Our Playspace Program ensures that children living in family homeless shelters in Massachusetts have the opportunity for developmentally-appropriate play. We build educational spaces in shelters and stock them with books, toys, and art supplies. Our more than 60 Playspaces are staffed by more than 600 trained volunteers, called Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs), who commit two hours weekly for at least six months.

While PALs play with the children, parents can participate in activities such as parenting groups, budgeting classes or job searches.

Other Programs and Initiatives

In addition to our Playspace Program, Horizons has the following programs and initiatives:

• Early Education Centers
• Family Partnership Program
• Policy and Advocacy
• Training and Technical Assistance
• Measurement and Evaluation