The Daybreak Shelter, a 30-day emergency transitional housing shelter, is dedicated to the care of indigent, homeless men and women over the age of 18 including those individuals suffering from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. Our primary purpose is to provide emergency services that meet the needs of this population including: temporary shelter, food, hygiene, clothing, medical services, housing/employment referrals, intervention through substance abuse treatment, education, referrals to detoxification, rehabilitative centers, respite beds, and referrals to Department of Mental Health services through affiliations with a vast network of agencies. Daybreak, a 30-bed "wet shelter" (one of three in the Commonwealth) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Guests are admitted at 5 pm every evening: Admission requires a photo ID and is on a first come, first served basis. A guest must remain on the property once they are admitted and cannot loiter on property without signing in. After they sign in, guests are given linens, towels, and a bunk where they will sleep for the night. Showers and hygiene supplies are available, and dinner and a morning meal are provided. Guests must exit the shelter by 8 am. Saved transitional beds are available if a guest finds employment, enters treatment, or enrolls in school provided that they comply by the mandates of a transitional bed contract. Case management services, service referrals, and access to many other community services/agencies are available. The shelter is funded for 30 beds but has the capacity to admit 50. The shelter gratefully accepts community donations for items that are used in-house on a regular basis (such as blue jeans, socks, T shirts, sweatshirts, sneakers, towels, linens, disposable razors, shampoo): Occasionally Daybreak is able to accept household items that can be passed on to guests moving into independent housing. The Daybreak Shelter began operation in 1984 as the area's Public Inebriate Program, and continues to be recognized as a statewide resource for homeless individuals with disabilities. The shelter provides full structural access, assistance equipment, and programmatic supports that create a safe, barrier free environment.

Contact information for the shelter:

19 Winter Street
Lawrence, MA 01841
Phone: (978) 975-4547
Fax: (978) 975-2672

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