Horizons for Homeless Children Opens Doors on new Playspaces in Concord to meet the Needs of Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness
For immediate release
Concord, MA – April 12, 2023 – Horizons for Homeless Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of young homeless children and their families, is partnering with Making Opportunity Count (MOC) to open a new space and service that will benefit families that have been living in temporary shelter at the former Army base in Devens, Massachusetts.
In March, families transitioned to newly opened shelter space previously occupied by the Best Western Historic Concord. To support this new shelter, two new Horizons for Homeless Children’s Playspaces will open in April. Playspaces are specially designed playrooms created to meet the needs of children who are experiencing the trauma of homelessness where they can play, grow, and build connections with other caring adults who are committed to their success. One room will serve children aged zero to 3 and the other will be for children aged 4 to 10.
A ribbon cutting will be held at 740 Elm St in Concord, MA on Wednesday April 12 at 4PM. Guests are invited to arrive via the rear entrance accessible via the back parking lot. State Senator Mike Barrett and Representative Simon Cataldo will be in attendance.
“Horizons has long played a role in helping families with young children living in shelter by recognizing that this critical time in brain development can and should be supported with opportunities for play,” said Horizons for Homeless Children’s CEO, Kate Barrand. “We are excited our team was able to respond to this need so quickly, opening these Playspaces in less than a month’s time to benefit some of Massachusetts’ most vulnerable families.”
Horizons recruits and trains dedicated volunteers to staff Playspaces in more than 55 shelters across Massachusetts and is currently recruiting to fill open spaces in this new shelter. Community members are invited to support this effort either by volunteering or being a part of Horizons mission financially by making a gift.
About Horizons for Homeless Children
Horizons for Homeless Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of young homeless children and their families. Horizons provides high–quality early education, comprehensive family support services and opportunities for play to children living in shelter. For more information about Horizons for Homeless Children, please visit: www.horizonschildren.org.
About Making Opportunity Count
Making Opportunity Count is an organization that empowers families to achieve economic security by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities. For more information on Making Opportunity Count, please visit: www.mocinc.org.
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Media Contact:
Deanna Dwyer
Communications Director, Horizons for Homeless Children
DDwyer@horizonschildren.org
