Horizons for Homeless Children provides spaces for children experiencing homelessness to play and learn.[2] The organization operates an early childhood education center in Roxbury,[3] in addition to "playspaces" installed in shelters for families experiencing homelessness across Massachusetts.[4] The organization also assists parents with job searches and goal setting.[2]
Kate Barrand currently serves as the President and CEO of the organization.[6]
Programs
Early education center
The early education center serves 225 children who are currently experiencing homelessness or have recently experienced homelessness.[8] Serving children between the ages of two months to five years old, each classroom is led by a bilingual teacher and support staff.[7] The education center operates year-round, and all of the organization’s programs are free for families.[2]
The center's curriculum integrates STEM programming, including engineering and coding, to provide students with early exposure to science and technology.[9]
Playspace program
The Playspace Program installs rooms in family homeless shelters across Massachusetts which provide safe environments for children experiencing homelessness to play.[10] Playspaces are staffed by volunteers.[11] Many Playspaces are located in hotels and motels which have been converted into emergency shelters for families experiencing homelessness.[12]
Family Partnerships program
The Family Partnerships Program provides "Family Advocates" which assist parents with transitioning out of homelessness and leaving the shelter system. The program also provides classes in financial literacy and parenting.[7]
Partners and funders
Horizons for Homeless Children is funded by the federal and Massachusetts state government,[7] as well as private and corporate donors.[7] In the past, the organization has received funding from the federal government for emergency childcare support for families experiencing homelessness in Boston.[13][14]
Horizons for Homeless Children partners with many organizations. These partners include the DevTech Research Group at Boston College which provides curriculum and support for early coding and robotics for children.[9] The organization's engineering programming is also supported by the Museum of Science.[9]
The organization also works with Boston Public Schools through their Universal Pre-K program to assist with Kindergarten placements.[15]
In 2023, the organization partnered with Cradles to Crayons and Neighborhood Villages to provide children in shelters with winter coats, hats, gloves, diapers, books, school supplies, and play kits.[16]
Events
Annual breakfast
Horizons for Homeless Children hosts an annual breakfast event to raise funds and awareness for the organization. Notable guest speakers include Maya Angelou,[17]Tara Westover,[5]Angie Thomas,[18] and Nia Vardalos.[19] Typical attendance for the event is over 1000 guests.[5]
