Every week, at emergency shelters and transitional housing programs across DC, some 150 volunteers give children a much-needed opportunity: the chance to play. The Playtime Project nurtures healthy child development and reduces the effects of trauma by creating playrooms where kids can be kids – playing games; exploring math, reading, and art; and eating healthy snacks. Meanwhile, parents have time to rest, run errands, and take classes. Monthly field trips introduce children to baseball games, the National Zoo, and the Smithsonian; seasonal parties give families opportunities to socialize and relax. Backpacks filled with games, books, and toys keep children engaged when they are away from the program. All the children are experiencing the trauma of homelessness, and some have also experienced domestic violence. These playtimes help restore comfort, safety, and joy. Won't you lend a hand?
Headquarters: DC-Ward 1
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide
Age Groups Served: Infants (0-2); Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)
Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Latino/Hispanic
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members
Awards & Recognition
2011 Community Impact Award from Greater DC Cares
2011 Partner Organization with Fair Chance
Press
- For D.C. shelter's 600 homeless children, a crucial source of fun and escape
Mon Feb 18 2013, The Washington Post
"Larson is a stickler for quality. Everything is donated but in great condition...most of her operation is run by 100 volunteers..."
- D.C., advocates at odds over homeless families; 900 people still in shelter
Mon Feb 11 2013, The Washington Post
This winter, DC's shelter for homeless families is crammed full - 372 adults and nearly 600 children living in small, converted rooms...
- Washingtonians of the Year 2012: Jamila Larson
Mon Jan 14 2013, Washingtonian
The Playtime Project assembles and staffs playrooms in DC homeless shelters, aiming to create the brain chemistry kids thrive on.
- Shrinking the Play Deficit in Washington, D.C.
Tue Jun 7 2011, Americancity.org
"A lot of these kids have been traumatized emotionally -- all sorts of ways. Through play, a lot of times you can get them to express them...
- A Safe Place to Play
Wed Mar 16 2011, Washington D.C.'s Street Sense
"We went through the stress of being homeless, losing everything we had, but at least this gave my youngest son a sense of hope"
Budget (FY2014)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- The current budget for Homeless Children's Playtime Project is: $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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