Flint Township View

Child Welfare Society grant brings joy to children experiencing homelessness


FLINT — Shelter of Flint is pleased to announce a generous grant from the Child Welfare Society for the purchase of new playground equipment for the agency’s emergency homelessness shelter.

For children, a stay in a homeless shelter can be disorienting and can make a lasting impact on a child’s wellbeing. Shelter of Flint works to create an environment for children where they are not only sheltered and nourished, but where they have an opportunity to just be a kid. In addition to regular supportive and guided afterschool programming, Shelter of Flint offers a large playground area with a variety of activities.

“Typically, 60 percent of our residents are children,” said Shelter of Flint President and CEO Linda Bielskis, “It’s so challenging, and potentially traumatizing, for these youngsters to live in a congregate shelter. The playground provides a much-needed opportunity for the children to simply enjoy themselves and we are grateful to the Child Welfare Society for enabling the squeals of delight we anticipate hearing all summer long.”

The Child Welfare Society has a long history of support of the work of Shelter of Flint, including the donation in 2013 of the former Cedar Street Children’s Center which is now a 75-bed emergency shelter. The upgrade to the playground equipment will feature a new playscape made of durable and safe composite materials.

Shelter of Flint has been in operation since 1983, integrating programs and services with safe, affordable housing to help low income and homeless individuals and families achieve independence and stability.

For further information about Shelter of Flint, visit shelterofflint.org. G.G.