HOST HOME PROGRAM
Harbor Hope Center’s Host Home Program includes two Care Homes. One home houses up to six male students and the other home provides housing for up to six female students. Students stay at the Care Homes on a temporary basis until a suitable private Host Home can be found. Trained Resident Advisors provide leadership and hands-on-supervision of the students.
The Washington Legislature passed House Bill 2440 which defined host home programs in Washington this way:
Those that match young people under age 18 who are experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or family crisis, with a community member who is willing to provide housing and other support to the young person. The nonprofit organizations that oversee host home programs provide case management and other supportive services to the youth and the host home/host family.
A typical host home is a private home with a compassionate person or family who wants to make a difference in the life of a homeless student. An extensive intake procedure and background check is conducted on all Host Home providers to assure a safe environment for the student and the host(s).
Mentoring training is provided to Host Home providers to assist them in integrating students into the family. Harbor Hope Center closely follows State of Washington guidelines for Host Home Programs.
CLIENT AND HOST SAFETY AND SUCCESS
An extensive intake procedure and background check is conducted for each student placed in a Host Home. Harbor Hope Center works closely with Communities In Schools (a student advocacy agency that works with the Peninsula School District) to review the backgrounds of each student and match them with a Host Home.
Each student’s intake procedure is conducted by a licensed social worker assigned to manage that student’s case until graduation. As part of the intake procedure the social worker working with the student identifies three key areas of education or mentoring need. The social worker then sets goals with the student to receive special training, education or mentoring to strengthen the student’s abilities in these key areas of need.
For example, they are provided a trained volunteer mentor to address issues such as tutoring, healthcare needs, personal hygiene education, reconciliation with family counseling, how to apply for a job, psychological counseling, etc. The social worker follows up by phone with the student weekly and meets with the student and Host Home provider in person once a month to monitor progress and resolve any issues that may have come up.
HOST HOME
MENTORING
TRANSPORTATION
CLOTHING
FOOD
CHANGE A LIFE TODAY
It is our mission to ensure that no neighbor is left with unmet needs. Your contribution to Harbor Hope Center helps to at risk students and those experiencing homelessness.