Programs & Services

Much more than the only drop-in day center for the homeless in Metrowest. We fight to improve the lives of those struggling with homelessness in our community.

General

We are a drop-in location that opens our doors to those who need our assistance, providing a safe place for adults in need. Visitors have access to many services, including picking up their mail, enjoying a meal, browsing free clothing, receiving hygiene items, and more. We welcome you to visit us if you are an adult who is homeless or at risk of homelessness.

    • Have lunch or a snack

    • Pick up your mail

    • Browse available clothing and shoes

    • Request hygiene items and socks

    • Be seen by one of our nurse volunteers and be referred, if necessary, to medical services

    • Use one of our computers

    • Watch TV and have an opportunity to relax

    • Make an appointment with our case managers

  • We are open Mondays through Fridays, 12:30 - 4:00 pm. We are a drop-in center, meaning you are welcome to come and receive our services at any point during our open hours. Staff is happy to assist you with your needs.

"I do not see our guests as a population, I see them as people. And this is an experience that they are going through and our job is to make it easier if we can."

- Carolyn Montalto, former Executive Director

Case Management

We are here to help those who are homeless and at risk of homelessness gain stability in their lives. Our case managers can help with a wide variety of services and referrals through tailor-made action plans for our clients.

  • The Community Day Center of Waltham can help you:

    • Access health insurance

    • Apply for SNAP (State food program)

    • Apply for government housing

    • Find medical and psychological services

    • Locate night shelter accommodations

    • Secure detox and rehabilitation facilities

    • Handle probation and parole issues

    • Write a resume and conduct a job search

    • Apply for a phone

  • To schedule a Case Management appointment, speak with a staff member at the center or call 781-392-6311.

"If you meet with me every week, I will get you housing. Don't give up on me and I won't give up on you."

- Nina Lordi, former Case Manager

Programs 

We offer ongoing programs to our guests designed to provide support and guidance towards positive outcomes throughout the experience of being homeless and beyond. These programs are tailored to the specific needs of our guests, focusing on addressing some of the most difficult aspects of homelessness.

All programs are open to our guests. Speak with a staff member at the center if you have any questions on how to receive these services, or call 781-392-6311.

Lunch program & Drop-in Center

Each weekday, the CDCW opens its doors to approximately 50 unhoused guests in need. When they enter our community space, they are offered a hot lunch and a safe, dignified place to stay throughout the day. Our low-barrier approach is what sets us apart; as a drop-in space, we require nothing from our guests to receive support — no appointments, no registration — just a hot lunch, a listening ear, and care.

Contact Us

Case Management Program

Led by our Case Manager Sarah Shiffman, this program involves a detailed intake and a tailor-made action plan to assist guests in exiting homelessness and re-gaining stability in their lives through case management. Clients meet one-on-one with our case managers to get needed support with housing, medical insurance and appointments, detox and substance use support services, acquiring identity documents, and much more.

Sustainability Program

This program is designed for guests who have made substantial gains toward a more stable lifestyle, and would benefit from continued support and check-ins. This can include in-home appointments with clients who are in housing, to address any needs the client has after receiving housing.

Shower & Laundry Program

The CDCW is the only place in Waltham that offers showers for free. Thus, we are a vital resource for those sleeping outside.

We also offer free laundry facilities for those in need.

These services are available Monday-Friday between 12:30 and 4:00 pm.

Distributions

The CDCW gives out over 1,000 hygiene items per month to our guests. They can come anytime between 12:30 and 4 pm, Monday-Friday, and get soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, socks, sunscreen, hand warmers, and more. All of these items are generously donated by the Waltham community.

Health Care Coordination Program

This program is designed to help our guests navigate their medical concerns and the medical field. Volunteer nurses are here on Tuesdays and Thursdays to consult on medical issues guests are experiencing, provide care, and make appropriate referrals when necessary. The center is not a licensed health care facility; however, nurses provide a basic health assessment and offer guidance and suggestions regarding health needs.

Substance Use Support Services

Lead by Dev Frankin, Program Support & Recovery Specialist, the CDCW offers one-on-one substance use counseling to our guests struggling with addiction.

In the last six months alone, the CDCW has held over 70 of these meetings, supporting our community through the ups and downs of their life-long recovery journeys.

The Shop @ 20 Felton Street

Our volunteer-run “free store” is open to anyone in need on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each guest who enters the store is given ten “Felton Bucks” per month that they can use to “purchase” shoes and clothing.

The purpose of this program is not just to provide clothing to our guests; it is to restore dignity and offer choice for people who, relying on charity for their clothing, haven’t had a say in what they wear in years.

Every item in the Shop is gently-used and donated by the Waltham community.

Seasonal Night Program

This program runs seasonally, providing shelter to our guests during the coldest winter months. Guests are provided a warm place to sleep, a shower and laundry facility, and hot meals. Additionally, our wrap around services mean that clients meet with case managers during the daytime to receive greater support.

Client Testimonials

  • "The fact that we have somewhere to go during the daytime, that's a great help. Especially when it's cold outside."

    - R.S., CDCW Client

  • “They help you help yourself. They know you can do it.”

    - G.C., CDCW Client

  • "The programs also made an impact for me. Facing homelessness for the first time, it changed a lot of things for me. I had to readapt, and they assisted me by giving me ways of coping."

    - R.S., CDCW Client