idealist.org

The Homeless Children's Playtime Project Seeks Committed Volunteers to Play with Homeless Children

The Homeless Children's Playtime Project (HCPP), an innovative nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational play activities and advocacy for children living in emergency and transitional housing programs in DC, is on the verge of a program expansion. We are looking for energetic and passionate volunteers to join our current volunteer pool specifically in our Columbia Heights location.

New volunteers will see immediate and tangible results from their contributions to the organization's growth and a chance to take ownership of their volunteer experience from the start. HCPP offers the opportunity to pursue leadership or special project positions. Volunteers will lead, envision and engage in creative playtime activities with children (ranging in age depending on the site). Activities include arts and craft projects, ball games, toddler/infant activities, reading, board games, imaginary play etc. Those wishing to pursue this volunteer position should be prepared to make a commitment to volunteering once per week, or every other week.

HCPP hosts three play sites and five sessions on various nights, we especially need volunteers on Monday and Thursday nights!



Mondays or Thursdays at Turning Point Transitional Housing Facility:

Time : Mondays from 6:45-8:30; Thursdays from 6:15 to 8:30pm.

Location : 1434 Harvard St NW, Columbia Heights

Transportation : 3 blocks from the green/yellow line metro. Also accessible by bus from downtown etc on 14 th St and 16 th St bus lines.

Volunteers Needed : 6 committed volunteers on either Monday or Thursday nights

Site Description : Turning Point is a transitional housing program designed for young mothers who receive a range of services. Volunteers play with about 15 children while mothers attend "Life Skills" classes. Most children are between the ages of 2 and 5. There is a small outdoor play area and a great indoor space with lots of toys. HCPP has run a site at TP for 3 years.

We are also looking for volunteers on Mondays and Wednesdays at our NCFN site:

Mondays and Wednesdays at the Northwest Family Church Network Transitional Housing Facility:

Time: Every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30pm

Location: 216 New York Ave. NW

Transportation: The site is within walking distance of the metro or bus lines. It is easy to reach from the green/yellow line on the metro. There is a parking lot on the site too, so some volunteers choose to drive or carpool.

Volunteers Needed: 1-3 volunteers needed on either Monday or Wednesday nights.

Site Description: NCFN is a transitional housing program for parents who are homeless and/or living with HIV/AIDS. There are 28 unites in apartment style housing at NCFN, and lots of children eager to play! Children range from a few months old to 14 years and there are consistantly about 20 children at playtime. Outdoor and indoor activities take place most days.



This position offers an exciting opportunity to build meaningful relationships with individual children, become immersed in the community, and get involved in advocacy work around issues plaguing homeless families in the District. New volunteers will eventually be asked to participate in a 4-hour new volunteer training as well as submitting to a background check. Trainings happen quarterly, but volunteers are accepted on a rolling basis.



The mission of the Playtime Project is to nurture healthy child development and reduce the effects of trauma among children living in shelters in the District of Columbia. We believe that play is a human right that all children deserve, regardless of housing status. We seek to help create a city that provides every opportunity for homeless children to succeed by advocating for affordable housing and safe shelters for all families.

If you are interested, please email Program Assistant, Lana Tilley at lana.hcpp@gmail.com with your preferred site location, some background information and any specific questions. You can also find more information on our website at: www.playtimeproject.net. Thank you for your interest in investing your and your dedication to the importance of imaginative play.