The experience of homelessness places great stress on families. Homeless parents in a shelter deal with various stressors in addition to homelessness, causing difficulties in dealing with their children and in developing parenting skills. This report describes a program designed for homeless parents of preschool children temporarily living in a shelter. The shelter and program are part of a non-profit social service organization providing support services to the homeless. Parents were required to attend classes within a parenting program while their children were enrolled in the child care program called the Childcare Center. The Childcare Center serves only homeless children. During the parent education program, the parents became involved and developed a rapport with the teachers and other parents, and both parents and staff responded favorably to the program. The report notes the importance of support networks for families living in poverty, because without social support such as that provided by the Childcare Center, families in poverty move from crisis to crisis. With adequate support, however, families often receive the emotional help needed to maintain their housing, income, and family. The report also discusses the effects of substance abuse in homeless families. The parenting program is now a regular part of the shelter's activities. Appendices include "The Family Risk Scale," the parent program curriculum, and the parent agreement. Contains 33 references. (BGC)