In the wake of dozens of Executive Orders and rescissions signed by President Donald Trump, Playtime Project reaffirms its commitment to providing safe spaces for all children to play, as well as fostering inclusive environments for our families, volunteers, and supporters. As the only organization in the area that focuses on play for children experiencing housing insecurity, we are ensuring vital support to children who are least likely to be prioritized among an adult-centered homelessness landscape.
In DC, homelessness increased 14% last year, while Prince George’s County has seen a 45% increase from 2020-2024. One study shows that one in every five children (ages 0-17) are housing insecure in Washington, DC. These statistics have a bleak national backdrop, where the most recent data highlights that homelessness has increased 18% in the last year. We know that there are a lot of questions around what recent federal changes mean for Playtime and the families we serve. This document outlines the Executive Orders (EOs) that could affect Playtime and Playtime families and how we intend to respond.
Playtime remains committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Playtime has no plans to change our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. An executive order terminated all DEI programs, offices, and positions within the federal government. This also applies to all federally-funded education agencies, equity related grants, and equity action plans.
If you have ever attended a Playtime Volunteer Training, you know that we acknowledge access to safe play spaces as a racial justice issue. We have had a DEI Board-Staff Committee since 2018, and we have experienced the value that DEI brings to make Playtime more open, transparent, and understanding of our families, colleagues and communities. We have no plans to step back from fighting for the families we serve or to stop listening to the employees who make it all happen.
A disproportionate number of children we serve have developmental delays and disabilities, which makes the protections in federal law under IDEA vital to protect. We will be monitoring the anticipated cuts to the Department of Education and consult parents and advocates to make sure all children’s rights to an equal education are respected.
Playtime will continue responding to our families’ needs.
One EO was signed to freeze federal funds, but a federal judge temporarily blocked it amid widespread confusion and lawsuits. While nonprofits serving our communities are anxiously waiting to see what happens, we know that all of our families are dependent on public assistance programs for their survival. While there is no substitute for federal housing, food and education programs, we will continue offering emergency support to families— providing gift cards, transportation, social work support, and referrals—as well as offering move-out support to families exiting from shelters. You can help with these important efforts by learning more about Playtime’s Welcome Home Neighbor initiative.
Playtime is fortunate that our budget is not directly affected by any pending federal funding freezes, as the majority of our funding comes to us from private foundations and individual donations.
Playtime’s mission is to serve all children, no matter their housing or immigration status.
Playtime is proud to serve anyone who comes through our doors including migrant families who are trying to become established in their new country. President Trump signed an EO to reverse the restriction on immigration enforcement at schools and churches, which were previously designated as “sensitive locations.” Another EO challenges birthright citizenship when a parent is in the U.S. unlawfully.
Playtime does not and will not ask or record anyone’s legal status, as all are welcome at Playtime. We have shared, and will continue to share, resources to help families understand their rights and what to do in case of an interaction with local police or federal ICE agents. As always, we will connect families with outside resources according to their needs.
Playtime cannot interfere in any legal federal enforcement actions. However, in case of a law enforcement encounter, Playtime staff and volunteers have been trained to ask to see a federal warrant before a search can be carried out. These are precautionary measures. There is currently no indication that families who participate in Playtime programs are targeted, but we are staying vigilant.
We are proud of the recent statement from our partner, Prince George’s County Public Schools Superintendent Millard House, who expressed support for immigrant students. He stated that every student “deserves to feel safe, welcome and valued...Please know this, PGCPS stands with you. Our schools are safe spaces where children can learn, grow and thrive.”
Playtime Project is fortunate to work with hundreds of children and dozens of families every year, connecting with them through the power of play and watching children grow in their skills and abilities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving children, no matter their housing status, and treating those experiencing housing insecurity with the dignity they deserve.
We would love for you to join us as we continue fulfilling our mission to help break the cycle of family housing insecurity through the power of play. Sign up for our e-newsletter, a volunteer training, or donate to invest in our initiatives. Thank you so much for your support.
