FAQ's

1. Why does Waltham need a day shelter?
   Waltham has a significant homeless population - far larger than in many surrounding communities. There are many reasons for this. The availability of more affordable housing attracts people who live closer to the edge and are more likely to fall into homelessness when something goes wrong. Because there are more people falling into homelessness, over the years the community has responded with a system of shelters and soup kitchens. These, in turn, are available to people from surrounding communities when homelessness strikes. Before the Community Day Center opened on September 2, 2003, the one missing piece in homeless services was a safe, warm place to spend the afternoon hours. The Center was designed to fill that need.
   
   
2. Who runs the Community Day Center?
   The Center was created by concerned citizens representing a number of churches and agencies in Waltham. Some of these groups are represented on the corporate board of directors which was created in April 2003. In August 2003 the board hired director Elliott Hipp to oversee day-to-day operations at the Center.
   
   
3. What kinds of people use the Center?
   The population of the Center is composed of two primary groups. About 80% of guests are homeless, principally residents of the two overnight shelters in Waltham, Bristol Women’s Lodge and Bristol Men’s Lodge, both operated by Middlesex Human Services. We also welcome residents of shelters in other cities (especially Cambridge and Somerville) who have institutional or personal business in Waltham during the day, along with homeless people who are living temporarily with friends, and homeless people who are living out of doors in various settings. Many guests work sporadically and come to the Center when no work is available. The other group of guests, about 20%, is composed of people who are supported by disability income (generally for mental illness) and who live in rooming houses, group homes or other low-cost facilities. All of our guests are adults.
   
   The following demographic portrait of guests welcomed to the Center during the first three months of 2005 is typical of our constituency:
   
   

   Total Guests	3291
   African-American	181	5%
   Hispanic	754	23%
   International (non-Hispanic)	54	2%
   White (Western Europian)	2302	70%
   Men	2883	88%
   Women	408	12%

   
   
   

   Most guest have housing, either in shelters or in subsidized housing for the mentally disabled. A small portion are living on the streets.
   
   

4. How much does it take to keep the Center open?
   The Center has a modest budget of $92,000. This covers rent and supplies, plus a salary for one full-time employee.
   
   
5. Where does the Center's money come from?
   The Center is funded entirely by donations. Start-up grants came from two sources within the Presbyterian Church (USA): the Presbytery of Boston and the Presbyterian Committee on Self-Development of People. Other churches, businesses and individuals have made gifts as well, and we have also received block grants through the City of Waltham.
   
   
6. Is my gift tax deductible?
   Yes. Gifts of $25 or more from one donor (with complete address information) will be acknowledged automatically for tax purposes. If you would like an acknowledgement for a gift in a smaller amount, we'll be happy to provide it - please just let us know.