Host Home Program
Donation protected
I just got approval from the California Secretary of State to officially start a nonprofit organization (the photo is of me mailing the official paperwork)! However, I’m still working on getting 501(c)(3) status. As most of my friends and family know I have a Master’s in Nonprofit Management, and starting a nonprofit has always been a goal of mine. I am in the beginning stages of starting a Host Home program in Eureka, California, and I am working with Point Source Youth, who is helping me through the process.
What are Host Homes?
Host Homes are an innovative, grassroots approach to addressing the affordable housing crisis that exacerbates homelessness in our community. By pairing transition-aged youth (18-24) with community members who have extra space in their homes, youth are able to obtain access to short-term shelter as well as build meaningful connections with caring adults in their community. While staying in host homes, youth are able to focus on improving independent living skills, save up extra income, and search for long-term housing.
Host Home programs have been successfully launched across the country, with communities tailoring program components to their specific needs. My program will focus on matching youth for stays of 3-12 months, as an interim step in their long-term housing plan. Hosts will be offered financial stipends for their participation and youth will be provided transportation assistance, case management, and support in academic and career exploration during their stay. Matches will be made based on shared interests and goals, and will offer youth the chance to develop lasting, meaningful, and supportive relationships.
Where you come in:
Considering donating for the holidays, look no further! I am asking for donations to help me get my host program started. I will be using the funds I raise to cover start-up costs and general operations. It will take some time to get the program up and running, but I will be working hard to recruit board members, getting our 501c3 status, create a logo, make a website, recruit volunteer hosts, secure funding, and more (so stay tuned)! Note that donations are not tax deductible at this time, since we aren’t a 501c3 (yet!).
What are Host Homes?
Host Homes are an innovative, grassroots approach to addressing the affordable housing crisis that exacerbates homelessness in our community. By pairing transition-aged youth (18-24) with community members who have extra space in their homes, youth are able to obtain access to short-term shelter as well as build meaningful connections with caring adults in their community. While staying in host homes, youth are able to focus on improving independent living skills, save up extra income, and search for long-term housing.
Host Home programs have been successfully launched across the country, with communities tailoring program components to their specific needs. My program will focus on matching youth for stays of 3-12 months, as an interim step in their long-term housing plan. Hosts will be offered financial stipends for their participation and youth will be provided transportation assistance, case management, and support in academic and career exploration during their stay. Matches will be made based on shared interests and goals, and will offer youth the chance to develop lasting, meaningful, and supportive relationships.
Where you come in:
Considering donating for the holidays, look no further! I am asking for donations to help me get my host program started. I will be using the funds I raise to cover start-up costs and general operations. It will take some time to get the program up and running, but I will be working hard to recruit board members, getting our 501c3 status, create a logo, make a website, recruit volunteer hosts, secure funding, and more (so stay tuned)! Note that donations are not tax deductible at this time, since we aren’t a 501c3 (yet!).
Organiser
Joann Taijala
Organiser
Eureka, CA
