Carnival brings summer fun to children living in NYC shelters
Win, a provider of shelter and supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness, brought children from its shelters across the five boroughs together for carnival games, face painting, arts and crafts, cotton candy and dancing.
More than 100 children living in New York City shelters got a chance to enjoy an end-of-summer carnival on Wednesday in Park Slope.
Win, a provider of shelter and supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness, brought children from its shelters across the five boroughs together for carnival games, face painting, arts and crafts, cotton candy and dancing.
The fun comes against a much more serious backdrop. More than 30,000 children sleep in New York City shelters each night, according to the Coalition for the Homeless.
For Francelaine P., a mother of two originally from Haiti, homelessness became part of her family's life earlier this year.
“It was really awful, and sometimes I was crying,” Francelaine said.
She eventually reached out for help and has been living with her children in a Win shelter since May.
On Wednesday, she was able to watch them just have fun.
“It’s fun, and I’m glad the kids are enjoying it,” she said.
Win says about 500 children participate in its summer programming, which includes STEAM activities, field trips and help with schoolwork. The carnival marked the end of the summer program.
Symphony Flores, 12, said she enjoys the activities and support.
“We get to go on trips, do activities. They help us out with our work, and, like, the teachers are nice,” Symphony said.
Win President and CEO Christine Quinn said families experiencing homelessness can often go unnoticed.
“You could be sitting on the subway next to a mom and a little boy, and they could be on that subway going from work to a shelter,” Quinn said. “They’re just like every other New Yorker.”
Quinn said many shelters across the city were converted from buildings originally designed for other uses. That can mean families are living in places without enough room for playgrounds, homework areas or counseling.
For Francelaine, the goal is simple: She wants a place of her own for her family.
Until then, she said events like the carnival give her children a chance to have fun and feel like little has changed while she works toward a more stable future.
“I’m doing it for the kids,” Francelaine said. “I’m doing it to have a better life.”
