What is HOST HOMES?

Host Homes provide an LGBTQ young person ages 18-25 who is experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia with a safe, welcoming, and affirming private and dedicated space for 1-6 months.

40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+

55% become homeless due to family rejection

80% report being harassed due to their identity

Since 2009, Valley Youth House has provided LGBTQ+ young people with the support they need to overcome barriers and achieve housing stability. In collaboration with the Homeward Initiative, Point Source Youth, and the Pride Task Force, Host Homes are a community-based response to the crisis of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness. 

Hosts provide an LGBTQ+ young person who is experiencing homelessness with a safe, welcoming, affirming, and dedicated space for 1-6 months.

We place youth experiencing homelessness with vetted and caring adults – the hosts – who welcome the youth into their homes and provide shelter, food and mentorship while they work with their case manager to secure stable housing. Through this supported connection, young people will not only be provided with a safe and stable living environment, but also build meaningful connections with caring individuals in their community.

HOSTS

Host Homes are a community-based response to the crisis of LGBTQ youth homelessness. The program will place youth experiencing homelessness with vetted and caring adults – the hosts – who welcome the youth into their homes and provide shelter, food and mentorship for 1-6 months. 

The goal of the program is to not only provide a safe and stable living environment for youth experiencing homelessness, but also to facilitate meaningful connections between the youth and their host.

Hosts must go through the standard volunteer onboarding process, including orientation, background screening, and training. Hosts and guests will have ongoing support from the Host Homes Coordinator and will meet each other via Zoom or similar to discuss expectations and hopes for the program before any hosting agreements are signed.

Using the agency’s expertise in residential services for youth, Valley Youth House provides:

• Recruitment and training to individuals/families that will be Host Homes to youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability
• Background checks for Host Home individuals/families, ensuring the safety of the relationships between Host Home providers and formerly homeless youth
• Case management for youth to help them maintain stable housing after the conclusion of services
• 24-hour on-call crisis support for Host Homes individuals/families

For more information on Host Homes Programs

Contact

Zahra Cornelius, Pride Program Supervisor

1500 Sansom Street, Suite #300A

Philadelphia PA 19102

(215) 925-3180