What are host homes?
Short-term host homes are an intervention for youth 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 six months where the young person can move towards self-sufficiency. Host homes are currently being used in numerous cities across the United States.
THRIVE! leverages existing resources to support youth, and the community of caring adults to help solve the crisis of youth homelessness in Frederick County. It is a community-driven model that connects young people aged 16-22 with adults from their own communities who are able to provide safe housing and support while the young person figures out their next steps. THRIVE! staff work with the young person and hosts to make sure the process is supportive and stress-free.
THRIVE! recognizes the importance of youth having a safe, stable place to live in order to work on other elements of their life as they work towards self-sufficiency.
Hear from Shahera Hyatt, from the California Homeless Youth Project, speak on the basics of Host Homes, and their own experience as a host family:
- For an in-depth look at the impact of first 3-months, read Short-Term Host Homes for Formerly Homeless Young Adults, authored by Dr. Robin Petering, MSW, PHD, Founder and Senior Researcher from Lens Co.
Learn more from this 2019 Point Source Youth presentation, where these three incredible young folx and two hosts from various host home programs across the country come together to share their experiences. Hear the unbelievable impact host homes can have on the youth participants, and how opening one’s home can greatly change a young person’s life.
