Become a Host Parent

Change a young person's life by providing safe and stable short-term (3 weeks) or long-term (up to 18 months) transitional housing for youth 12-22. We provide licensing, training, 24/7 support, and financial assistance to our host families.

Research shows that youth experiencing homelessness are best supported when they can remain in communities surrounded by positive adult relationships and access to resources. By pairing youth ages 12 to 22 with community members who have the time to dedicate an extra space in their homes, youth obtain access to safe housing shelters while building meaningful connections to caring adults. For this reason, Host families are crucial to supporting a youth towards well-being, empowerment, and independence. 

What is a Host Home Family?

A host home family is a community and volunteer-based response to combat youth homelessness. Host families welcome homeless or runaway youth, ages 12-22 for a short-term or long-term stay. A host home can serve as an emergency shelter (up to three weeks) for youth in crisis through our Host Homes program or as temporary, long-term transitional housing (up to 18 months) through our Family-Based Transitional Living Program.  Host families create a sense of belonging and build empowerment by providing a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment. 

 

  • Anyone over the age of 21 can be a prospective Host Parent. We especially encourage families/individuals that are bilingual (English/Spanish). However, we gladly work with all that have adequate space in their home, and have the time and compassion to assist youth in need. Overall we are seeking families/individuals that are flexible and are willing/understanding of not only typical teenage behavior but also understanding that some of our youth have adverse experiences that have made a grand impact on their lives.

    Please reach out if you have any questions!

  • Host families may live in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia. Additional requirements include:

    • Be at least 21 years of age

    • Have an extra bedroom (provide privacy) for the youth

    • Complete the required 15 hours of pre-service training

    • Be financially stable and able to maintain his/her/their household

    • Be willing to work as part of a team

    • Be able to provide a safe, culturally sensitive, and supportive home

    • Complete requested background checks

  • Host families receive personalized support and attention from our bilingual (English and Spanish) staff who are available 24/7 in case of emergencies. Our family resource specialists provide families with ongoing support, beginning with licensing paperwork and clearances, home studies, crisis intervention, and general support. Families also receive financial assistance to help cover the basic needs of youth in their care, as well as reimbursement for expenses related to licensure. LAYC also offers a variety of ongoing training and invitations to special events to facilitate and celebrate host family achievements and growth.

    For more information about becoming a host home family, or to learn dates and details for the next session, please reach out below.

Maryland:

Washington, D.C.:

Host Homes - Riverdale Office
6200 Sheridan Street
Riverdale, MD 20737

Family Based Transitional Living & DC Basic Center Host Homes
3045 15th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009