MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A YOUNG ADULT'S LIFE.
Over 1,500 youth and young adults between the ages of 12-25 are homeless or unstably housed in King County. Shelter beds and community resources are limited, leaving the vast majority of young people without access to food or safe housing.
Through the YMCA Host Homes Program, you have the opportunity to be a champion for some of these young adults facing who are facing homelessness.
WHAT IS THE YMCA HOST HOMES PROGRAM?
Host Homes is a 6-month transitional housing program that matches young people ages 18 - 24 who are at risk of experiencing homelessness with caring hosts in the community who can provide the space and opportunity young adults need to build independent living skills, gain stability, and focus on goal attainment. While enrolled, young adults receive 1-on-1 case management support as well as access to wrap-around services through the YMCA Social Impact Center.
Hosts are volunteers in King County who want to make a difference in the life of a young person. They offer a room in their home that provides safe, short-term housing to a young adult who needs support to focus on housing, employment, education, and/or other stabilizing goals. Hosts receive guidance and support from our Team every step of the way.
It is important to us that young people have the opportunity to be matched with host families that fit within their cultural orientation and individual lifestyle. We are searching for host families that come from various backgrounds and experiences. Host families may be single, married or partnered and represent a wide range of ethnicities, religions, sexual identities, cultures, etc.
One common trait that all host families have is their passion, commitment and dedication in making a positive difference in the lives of young people.
WHO CAN BE A HOST HOME PROVIDER?
Families who want to give back to their community and serve as a support for a young adult experiencing homelessness may be interested in joining the YMCA Host Homes program. Although Host Homes is a short 6-month commitment, many Hosts and participants find that their connection continues long after their exit.
Host Homes is also a great opportunity for prospective foster parents who would like to try living with a young person for 6 months before committing to something more long-term.
All hosts must meet the following criteria:
- Host families must be 21 years of age or older.
- Have a spare bedroom or private space within their home.
- Pass a background OR reference check.
- Have homeowner or renters insurance and live within King County.
- Must be willing to complete a home inspection and training program.
WHAT ARE HOST HOME PROVIDERS' RESPONSIBILITIES?
Host families are asked to:
- Provide temporary stable housing for six months.
- Provide a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment for trust and friendship to develop between the young person and your family.
- Create agreements with the young person and hold them accountable to those agreements.
- The opportunity to participate in your family’s daily life and events, make them feel a part of the family with the same privileges and obligations.
- Provide a private bedroom with a bed and meals.
- Maintain close contact with the Host Home Recruiter and address problems and concerns (difficulty adapting to family, behavior etc.) as they occur.
Once enrolled, Hosts will receive a monthly stipend to offset any expenses associated with having another person in the home.
Please note: Hosts are NOT expected to provide any financial assistance to the young adult - they will work with their Case Manager who will support them with any expressed needs.
If you are already hosting a young adult between the ages of 12 - 24 and are not a parent or guardian, you may be eligible for supports through our Kinship Host Homes model.
If you are interested in hearing more about the YMCA Host Homes program, check out our website and contact us!
