Welcome! Thank you for your interest in YES’s Host Home Program.
We know from research that youth experiencing homelessness are best supported when they are able to remain in the communities where they are comfortable, have friends, attend school, and go to work. For this reason, the goal of the YES Host Home program is to recruit, screen, and provide support to volunteers who are willing to open their homes to youth ages 13 through 18 years old (18 year olds are eligible for the program as long as they are actively in high school or an equivalent program) in their own communities who are experiencing homelessness or have unstable housing (13 to 17 year olds will be able to participate with authorization from their parents or guardians unless they are considered unaccompanied minors).
Being a host is a powerful and unique experience, and far from being easy. The commitment you are willing to make in order to be a host volunteer is an intense one, as is that of a youth who is moving into a host home. In turn, it will hopefully prove to be a gratifying and empowering experience for all involved.
YES is committed to keeping you informed, being clear about expectations, being up front and honest about decisions made regarding your application, listening to your concerns and feedback, respecting your input, finding the best match for you and a youth, and providing ongoing support and training.
All Host Home Provider Applicants Must:
- Have an extra bedroom (providing privacy) for the Youth
- Be at least 25 years old
- Have lived in the state of Washington for at least a year
- Complete the application form, providing relevant information
- Have renters/homeowners insurance, providing a file copy if requested
- Provide three references
- Authorize and pass background checks which include:
- Public Records (e.g arrest reports)
- IntelliCorp Records, Inc.
- Authorize and pass a background check through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families
- Complete necessary interview
- Complete a home safety check with the Host Home Coordinator
- Complete the initial in-person training session
Onboarding Process
Becoming a Host Home Provider begins with a simple inquiry. Prospective providers can contact us through our website, by phone, in person, or through social media. Once we receive your inquiry, the Host Home Coordinator will contact you within 3–5 business days to answer any initial questions, provide or email the Host Home application, and schedule your first interview. This initial meeting is informal and informational, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the Host Home program while allowing us to get to know you and discuss what to expect throughout the process.
After the first interview and receipt of your completed application, we will contact your references and complete background checks for all household members ages 18 and older. Once these steps are complete, you will participate in a second, formal interview. If accepted into the Host Home program, you will move forward with a Home Safety Check and complete the required in-person training. These final steps help ensure that you are fully prepared to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive home for the youth placed in your home.