latin american youth center LAYC youth development latino

In the United States today, 1.35 million children are likely to experience homelessness over the course of a year.

Poverty, High School dropout rates, lack of affordable housing, teen pregnancy and clashes in cultures are some of the factors associated with the noted increase in the number of home-less and runaway youth nationwide.

What we do to help:

We provide short-term emergency shelter to homeless and runaway youth, ages 12-17 for up to three weeks. To provide youth with safe, loving, and stable homes, the program recruits and trains both English and Spanish-speaking individuals/families as Host Families.

Once a youth is placed in the home of a certified family, the LAYC/MMYC Host Homes Program provides supportive services to the youth, the Host family and the youth's biological family.

What services do we provide?

• Emergency Shelter for up tp three weeks;
• Crisis Intervention;
• Individual, group and family counseling;
• Psychosocial assessments;
• Advocacy;
• Referrals;
• Case management;
• Transportation

Youth’s Criteria for Admission

• Youth must be 12-17 old for home stay;
• Youth must be homeless or runaway;
• Youth cannot be actively using drugs. If so, youth must be actively participating or willing to participate in a treatment program;
• Youth must not be considered a danger to self or others; and
• Youth must be willing to comply with the objectives agreed upon in treatment plan.

As a Host Parent you can help:

• Protect youth by providing a safe place;
• Provide a positive stay; and
• Positively influence the life of a youth.

Who can be a Host Family?

Prospective host families can be married, single, or in domestic partnership, with or without children, English or Spanish-speaking, renters or homeowners, gay or straight. Interested applicants from Montogomery or Prince George's Counties are welcome to apply.

Host Family applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old;
• Have enough space in their home for a youth;
• Be financially stable and able to provide for their family;
• Commit to a 6-hour pre-service training;
• Be willing to work as part of a team; and
• Provide a safe and supportive home.

To apply to become a Host Family, contact Kristen Green, Host Homes Maryland Project Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (301) 431-3121 ext. 58.