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In the United States today, 1.35 million children are likely to experience homelessness over the course of a year. Poverty, high school dropout rates, lack of affordable housing, teen pregnancy and clashes in cultures are some of the factors associated with the noted increase in the number of homeless and runaway youth nationwide.

About the Host Homes Program

We provide short-term emergency shelter to homeless and runaway youth, ages 12-17 for up to 21 days. In order to provide youth with safe, loving, and stable homes, the program recruits and trains both English and Spanish-speaking individuals and families as host families.

Once a youth is placed in the home of a certified family, the LAYC Host Homes Program provides supportive services to the youth, the host family and the youth's biological family.

 We provide:

  • Emergency shelter for up to 21 days;
  • Crisis intervention;
  • Individual, group and family counseling;
  • Psychosocial assessments;
  • Advocacy;
  • Referrals;
  • Intensive case management; and
  • Transportation.

 Admission criteria for youth:

  • Youth must be 12-17 years old;
  • Youth must be homeless or runaway;
  • Youth cannot be actively us-ing drugs. If so, youth must be actively participating or willing to participate in a treatment program;
  • Youth must not be considered a danger to self or others; and
  • Youth must be willing to comply with the objectives agreed upon in her treatment plan.

Become a Host Parent or Family

As a host parent you can help:

  • Protect youth by providing a safe place;
  • Provide a positive stay; and
  • Influence the life of a youth.

As a host parent you will gain:

  • The satisfaction of making a difference in the life of a youth;
  • The support of bilingual staff available in cases of emergencies;
  • On-going training and supervision;
  • Financial support to help cover the basic needs of youth;
  • Invitations to special events (ex. annual picnic, dinners, etc.); and
  • Reimbursement for expenses relating to the Host Homes certification.

Who can be a host parent?

Prospective host parents can be single or married individuals or couples, with or without children, English- or Spanish-speaking, renters or homeowners, etc. Interested applicants from Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia are welcome to apply.

All host parent applicants must:

  • Be at least 21-years-old;
  • Have enough space in their home for a youth;
  • Be financially stable and able to provide for their family;
  • Commit to a six-hour pre-service training;
  • Be willing to work as part of a team; and
  • Provide a safe and supportive home.

For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Case Manager/Family Support Worker or submit an inquiry form, below.

Click here to submit a Host Homes inquiry form.