This paper reports on a study of the Houston (Texas) Independent School District's Lighted Schoolhouse Program, which is designed to serve as an intermediary between homeless children and community service agencies, to provide a range of after-school activities for unattended children, and to provide opportunities for participation of families and volunteers. The program is divided into two components: a shelter, and the YMCA-supported After-School Program. The program is located on the Gregory-Lincoln Education Center campus. The study describes the program and its students, compiles a baseline for future evaluation, and assesses the benefits of the program for students. The total number of students served by the program for August through January 1990-91 was 253, at an average cost of $87 per student. Of those, 198 were served by the shelter component of the program and 118 were served by the after school component. A multi-method approach uncovered the following student data: (1) 76% of the students were Black, 22% were Hispanic, and 1% was White; (2) 33% of the students were classified as prekindergarten through second grade and another 41% were in the fourth through sixth grades; (4) 87% were eligible for free or reduced lunch and 53% of students were classified as being at risk of dropping out of school. Perceived benefits include giving the children an alternative to going home or being on the streets after school where they are often hurt physically or mentally, providing a "home" setting with discipline as well as love and attention for several hours every night, and providing activities and help with homework for students who would not necessarily receive them at home. One table and five bar graphs are included. Six references are appended. (JB)