In a state emergency shelter intended to be a temporary stopping point for families in crisis, new outdoor play spaces aim to help children grow and thrive.
The play spaces at the Elm Street shelter opened just in time to be used before colder weather settles in this fall. For local volunteers who work with the children, they’re part of a larger effort to welcome people they say have been “dehumanized” in other settings.
“They’re going to become part of our community,” said Jeanne Fahey of the kids and families at the shelter. “Why not embrace them?”