Why Bright Spaces Matter
Children are growing and developing with every passing day. Young children who experience trauma are at particular risk because their rapidly developing brains are vulnerable. Early childhood trauma can affect many functions including memory, attention, perceptual
awareness, language, imagination, and the ability to regulate emotions.
To learn more, visit Harvard University’s Center for the Developing Child.
Through Bright Spaces, we partner with agencies across the country to create and support warm, safe, enriching spaces for children of all ages to build caring relationships, heal from trauma through play, and experience the joy of childhood. Our Bright Spaces are not only wonderful rooms for children to play, but they also create a place for children where they can connect with other children, their family, and supportive adults who can provide needed services. Having a place for families to relax together helps them to build important bonds that strengthen the family during this difficult time. In an atmosphere of safety and trust, children and adults are able to make better decisions, regulate their emotions, and provide important emotional support to each other.
For More Information About Homelessness
Talking to Children about Homelessness
Book for Children about Homelessness
Organizations that Work with Homelessness
The National Center on Family Homelessness is the nation’s definitive authority on family homelessness. Imagine America without homeless families. They can. Their mission is to discover what works, educate and inspire, and take action to end family homelessness in America.
The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY), a national grassroots membership association, serves as the voice and the social conscience for the education of children and youth in homeless situations.
The National Coalition for the Homeless, founded in 1984, is a national network of people who are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, activists and advocates, community-based and faith-based service providers, and others committed to a single mission. That mission, our common bond, is to end homelessness.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a leading voice on the issue of homelessness. The Alliance analyzes policy and develops pragmatic, cost-effective policy solutions. The Alliance works collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and policies that help communities achieve their goal of ending homelessness.
Family Promise comprises more than 200 Affiliates in 43 state, engaging 200,000 compassionate volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of families in need. Through their innovative approach, they keep families together and serve more than 90,000 children and adults every year.