The Host Homes Program is an innovative, grassroots approach to addressing our community’s housing crisis.
The Need
Short-term host homes are an intervention for young adults who are currently experiencing homelessness for any variety of reasons, including but not limited to family conflict, poverty, gender identity and sexual orientation.
The goal of short-term host homes is to provide a safe, temporary, welcoming space for up to five months where the young adult has time to repair their relationships with self-identified family or make decisions about other housing options with the support of a caring housing case manager. While staying in host homes, young adults are able to engage in the long-term housing search safely and more successfully and save any income earned while being hosted toward their future.
By pairing transition-aged young adults (ages 18-24) with community members who have underutilized spaces in their homes, young adults not only obtain access to short-term shelter, but are also able to build meaningful connections to caring adults in their community.
The Process
All applicants must:
1. Have an extra bedroom (providing privacy) for the youth
2. Be at least 25 years’ old
3. Live in Shasta County
4. Complete the application form
5. Have renter/homeowner’s insurance
6. Submit to a home inspection to confirm safe and appropriate living conditions
7. Provide three references
8. Authorize and pass background checks
9. Complete necessary interviews
10. Complete the initial training session
Matching
Once a Host Home has completed the approval process a host file is created and a match can be made. An interview will be conducted by the case manager and/or Host Home Coordinator with the young adult and the potential Host Home. If it is found to be a match, Release of Liability waivers are signed, the young adult moves in and a review of goals, expectations, are covered as part of the Host Home Living Agreement. Host Homes coordinators provide support to hosts throughout the process and the Host Homes case manager provides support to young adults. Hosts attend ongoing support training.
To get the process started, or for more information, contact our office at (530) 222-1826 and speak with one of our program staff.
How We Partner
If I chose to become a Host Home, what kinds of support will I receive?
After approval and once hosting, hosts are provided regular support. The main support person for the volunteer hosts is the Program Coordinator, whereas the main support person for the young adult is the Case Manager. The Case Manager will work closely with the Program Coordinator to ensure that the Host Home receives the appropriate level of support throughout participation. Participation includes scheduled and unscheduled (if warranted) home visits which will also be a part of the support system provided.
On-Call Support: The Host Homes Coordinator and/or Case Manager will be available for 24-hour support via telephone for crisis intervention. All non-emergency communication will occur via phone or email during business hours, Monday-Thursday 9-5pm.
Donation Closet: In an effort to provide the young adult and hosts with essentials needed for daily functioning and security, the Ready for Life Host Homes program has a fully-stocked donation closet available to all young adults in the program. This closet includes clothes, shoes, toiletries, household items, blankets, etc.
Stipend: A voluntary monthly stipend is available to assist in supporting the young adult’s placement in your home and to help offset the increased costs of food and utilities while hosting a young adult. This stipend is available for up to five months; however, guests stay may exceed five months if agreed upon between all parties.
