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. In response to the demands for service to this population, five years ago, the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) founded the Host Homes Program.

The LAYC Host Homes Program addresses the immediate needs of runaway and homeless female youth and their families in a culturally sensitive/community based setting.

Services:

• Emergency Shelter for two weeks;
• Crisis Intervention;
• Individual, group and family counseling;
• Psychosocial assessments;
• Advocacy;
• Referrals;
• Case Management;
• Transportation.

Criteria for admission:

• Youth must be female 16-18 years old;
• Youth must be homeless or runaway;
• Youth cannot be actively using 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;
• Youth must be willing to comply with objectives agreed upon in her treatment plan;
• Youth must be willing to abide by the rules and regulations of the program.

Criteria to be a host home family:

• Sufficient space and income to meet the needs of the family;
• Police and Child Protective Clearance for household members 18 years of age and older;
• Participation in a training program of a child placed in care.

Host homes parents will get:

• The satisfaction of helping a teenage mother in the community;
• On going training and support;
• Financial support to cover the basic needs of the host child.

Contact Information

The LAYC Host Homes considers referrals from a variety of community organizations, agencies and individuals. Direct contact with the youth, however, is required to begin the admission process. To obtain services or more information contact:

Gina Fognani
202.319.2252
gina@layc-dc.org