As you may have noticed, fewer families are currently living in some shelters across the state, which has resulted in fewer children in Playspace. This shift is connected to an ongoing restructuring of shelter capacity statewide. We know this can impact the rhythm of your time in Playspace, and we want to thank you for your patience, flexibility, and unwavering commitment.
Even on quieter days, your presence matters. Your consistency brings stability, strengthens our relationships with shelter staff, and ensures that any child who is present continues to have a warm, safe, and playful space to enjoy.
We are grateful for everything you bring to this work and will keep you informed as we learn more.
Upcoming Trainings and Closures
We hope you'll join us for an upcoming volunteer learning session! Preview the session content by viewing the accompanying tip sheet.
Nurturing Social-Emotional Growth
Wednesday, January 7th at 6:30pm on Zoom
Children experiencing homelessness often carry big feelings and big stories. This session will help you better recognize emotional cues, respond with care, and create a space where every child feels seen, safe, and supported. Whether you're new or seasoned, this training offers tools and strategies to deepen your impact and confidence as a PAL.
Clear, compassionate boundaries keep everyone safe, build trust with children who’ve experienced trauma, and support respectful relationships with children and families. Whether you’ve ever felt unsure about how to respond when a child asks a personal question, becomes physically playful, or shares something emotional, this session is for you.
Winter Break — Thursday, December 25th to Friday, January 2nd
Playspace and classroom shifts canceled
Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Monday, January 19th
Playspace and classroom shifts canceled
Presidents' Day — Monday, February 16th
Playspace and classroom shifts canceled
Spring 2026 Internships
Are you a college student seeking an internship in early education, poverty alleviation, and/or social services? Interning at a homeless shelter and working directly with children offers a unique, meaningful, and often eye-opening experience. Interns at Horizons make a real-world impact, experience personal growth, and develop their own skills both personally and professionally during their time with us.
New England Gives, a special supplement in a recent edition of Sunday’s Boston Globe, highlights the power of compassion across our region. Horizons for Homeless Children was proud to be featured—and to stand alongside so many organizations working to strengthen our communities.
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