Nonprofit Spotlight: The Community Day Center of Waltham

The Community Day Center of Waltham provides day shelter and support services to adults who are experiencing homelessness. The only drop-in day shelter in MetroWest, it strives to create a safe, judgment-free culture that is grounded in hospitality, compassion and mutual respect.

What They Do

Current services include a stabilization program, connecting guests with case managers to assist them in exiting homelessness and re-gaining stability; a substance use support program; a health care coordination program for help navigating medical services; and a stability program that provides ongoing support for guests who have made substantial gains toward a more stable lifestyle.

How They've Evolved

The Center first opened its doors in a church basement in 2003, when community activists, church leaders, and individuals sympathetic to the homeless experience identified the need for a drop-in day center. Over the next 12 years, it offered a place where adults could find respite, nourishment, and support services during the day when other services were not available for the homeless. The Center provided lunch, computer access, a mailing address, phones, and referral services to approximately 50 individuals daily.

The CDCW moved into a new home in 2015, allowing it to expand its hours, extend its case management services, and increase the number of guests it served. Further expanding its space in 2022 allowed the Center to establish a permanent home for its Seasonal Night Program, which provides shelter to guests during the coldest winter months. It also enabled access to showers and laundry facilities, expanded addiction support and recovery programs, and enhancements to its Health Care Coordination Program.

Their Impact

In the last year alone, the CDCW made 28 placements of individuals in long-term housing, facilitated 50 job placements, and served 9,600 meals. Recently appointed Executive Director Chloe-Rose Crouch looks forward to continuing to build the organization’s capacity to expand services for its unhoused neighbors. 

Learn more about The Community Day Center of Waltham at www.communitydaycenter.org.