Salvation Army Day Care Center for Homeless Children

Imagine for a moment, waking up cold, hungry and afraid.  Imagine for a moment, not knowing what it is like to wake up in a warm, cozy bed in your own bedroom, in your own home.

And now imagine being just a toddler …and the only life you know is waking up each and every morning in a homeless shelter.

What is “Our Place”?  Watch the video on YouTube®

Homelessness occurs for many reasons –and certainly children have no control over their situation.  How does a homeless parent move beyond their situation without assistance?  How do parents work or further their education or receive the counseling they need if they cannot afford a babysitter to keep their children safe?

Did you know it is estimated that over 3,000 children are homeless in Massachusetts?  “Our Place” Day Care Center for Homeless Children is working to change this for homeless families and children in Cambridge.

“Our Place” was established by The Salvation Army to break the cycle of homelessness by providing a program that meets the educational and emotional needs of each family member.  The first licensed day care center in the Commonwealth for homeless children, this program now serves approximately 40 homeless children every day.

While their children are enrolled in “Our Place”, parents have the opportunity to work, seek permanent housing, attend school, receive counseling, volunteer in the center, and more.  Staff, parents, and children work together to create a safe, stable, and caring environment where children can grow and learn.

In 2005, “Our Place” proudly received the National Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals—a very significant achievement!

For over 18 years, the entire Cambridge real estate community has joined forces to support “Our Place”.  Previously known as the Cambridge Community of Realtors, the organization has a new name – Cambridge Community of Real Estate Professionals. If you would like to help, visit www.ccrfoundation.org.

Help us break the cycle of homelessness ….for all Cambridge families and especially the children.