Creating Calm and Comfort: New Calming Spaces at Housing Transitions

Thanks to a generous grant from the Head Start Collaboration Office, Housing Transitions has created two beautiful new Calming Spaces for children staying in our emergency shelter.

Our shelter includes two family suites, each designed to provide privacy and comfort for families experiencing a housing crisis. Each suite includes two bedrooms and a bathroom connected by a hallway. Within these hallways were closets that were rarely utilized, and we saw an opportunity to transform these small spaces into something meaningful—a quiet place where children can feel safe, relaxed, and supported.

With the support of this grant, the closets were completely transformed. The shelving was removed, the spaces were freshly painted, and new calming and sensory-focused items were added. Each space now includes cozy floor cushions, tap lights, bookshelves filled with books, fidget toys, and a 9-in-1 sensory activity board designed to encourage creativity, fine motor development, and screen-free play.

These new Calming Spaces were created with the children in mind. Experiencing homelessness can be overwhelming and uncertain, especially for young children. Having a dedicated space where they can play quietly, take a break, read a book, or simply have a moment of calm can make a meaningful difference during a difficult transition.

At Housing Transitions, we believe that creating a safe and welcoming environment means caring for every member of the family. These new spaces are a small but powerful reminder that every child deserves a place where they can feel comfort, security, and a sense of normalcy.

We are grateful to the Head Start Collaboration Office for helping us bring this vision to life and for supporting our mission of providing more than just shelter—we provide a place where individuals and families can begin their journey toward stability.