Become a Host Volunteer for a Youth experiencing homelessness

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Safe Place for Youth's (SPY) Host Home Program started as a Pilot Program in 2017. In order to address the growing homelessness crisis, we decided to take an innovative approach by tapping into our local community. The Host Home Program entails Volunteer Hosts (members of the community) who open up an underutilized space in their homes to a youth experiencing homelessness. For a duration of 3 months (up to 12 months), youths will have a safe place to recuperate and get back on their feet as they work with Case Managers and program staff to obtain stable housing, steady employment, and more.

The Host Home Program is a model that has been tested and implemented first in the UK thirty years ago and has been adopted in North America as a creative means to house youths. By engaging our community members, we work together to break away the stigma that comes with homelessness and undergo a transformative experience. Since our program inception, all 13 of our youths have been housed in permanent housing upon exit of the program and all have obtained or maintained steady employment.

Hosts will undergo a background check, TB test, and home inspection. Homeowner's or renter's insurance is required. Hosts will also have the option to receive a $500 monthly stipend which they may use in any way they wish. Hosts are not responsible for youth's groceries, as SPY will provide a $300 monthly stipend.

If you are in a position to help a youth in your community (within LA County), we seriously want to hear from you.