Harvard Edu – Policy Q&A: The Importance of Providing Stability—and Play—for Young Children Experiencing Homelessness

Boston – In a new conversation with Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, Horizons for Homeless Children President & CEO Kate Barrand explores why stability, nurturing relationships, and opportunities for play are critical for young children experiencing homelessness.

As Kate explains, “Housing is one of the most fundamental building blocks. By its very nature, housing has a stabilizing effect: A child knows where they’re going to wake up and go to sleep.”

When that stability is disrupted, the effects can ripple across every aspect of a child’s development. Children experiencing homelessness are significantly more likely to experience developmental delays, underscoring the importance of high-quality early education, supportive relationships, and environments that help buffer the impacts of housing instability.

At Horizons, we see the power of these supports every day. Through more than 50 Playspaces in family shelters across Massachusetts and our trauma-informed early education program, we’re helping children build the foundation they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Learn more about this work and why stability and play matter so deeply for children experiencing homelessness on Harvard’s website.