This family shelter provides temporary housing in central Waltham for up to four months for seven homeless families. During this time, families work on issues relevant to homelessness and securing permanent housing with the help of our staff and housing advocates. All residents are involved with the day to day activities in the shelter and the family life program. The family life program consists of helping families with such issues as parenting, nutrition, budgeting, substance abuse, vocational and educational goals. Referrals to other social services, legal and mental health programs are provided as needed. School age children attend local schools. When residents leave for permanent housing, we offer a one year follow-up support program to assist them with the transition to independent living. Shelter staff are on site twenty-four hours a day