Our goal is to help put them back together. That is the goal. But sometimes what's best for the children is to get them away from their parents. There's a learning center where children get help with their homework from retired Roseville teacher Joyce Gottdiner, who is such a believer in Home Start that she volunteers here five days a week. And in the middle of the courtyard, there's a picnic table stacked with piles of children's clothing.
Life here can be a difficult adjustment for some families.
You have to remember that a lot of them lived pretty chaotic lives. Cindy, who didn't want her real name used, says the toughest part for her has been getting up on time. At Home Start, all residents must be up, dressed and have their room clean by 9 a.m. They have to be busy soon after that. They must either go to work, look for work, head to school or attend one of their meetings.