Playspace responds as the state moves families from temporary to permanent shelter 

Over the course of the last two years, Horizons and its volunteers have played a critical role bringing play to children living in hotel-based shelters in Massachusetts. We are deeply thankful for the incredible commitment, warmth, and friendship our shelter-based volunteers have shown. Their presence in the hotel shelters has brought comfort, joy, and stability to many children. Originally established as an emergency measure to house families, state officials are now working to close these hotel shelters by June 30.  

The Playspace team has been working on a transition strategy identifying current or new locations for PALs and moving equipment to permanent shelters so our important work can continue. Several shelter providers are looking to open larger, permanent shelters that will provide a better, healthier environment for children and families, including access to a kitchen and washing machines. While transitions are always challenging, we believe these new spaces will be more conducive to family progress and growth than the temporary shelters have been. 

We are deeply thankful for the volunteers who worked tirelessly over these past months in hotel shelters. Their compassion, empathy, excitement, and flexibility have been incredibly valuable to Horizons as an organization, and to the children and families who have lived in these spaces.