Prospective caregivers can be married or single, male or female, with or without children, English or Spanish speakers, renters or homeowners. What matters most is your commitment to providing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for young people in need.

Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, have a steady source of income, and possess the time and patience to support youth as they work toward their goals. You don’t need prior experience—just compassion, understanding, and a willingness to learn. Our team provides comprehensive training and ongoing support every step of the way.

Whether you’re a working professional, a retiree, or a family looking to make a difference, you can play a vital role in changing a young person’s life.

Please reach out if you have any questions!

Host families may live in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia. Additional requirements include:

• Be at least 21 years of age

• Have an extra bedroom (provide privacy) for the youth

• Complete the required 15 hours of pre-service training

• Be financially stable and able to maintain his/her/their household

• Be willing to work as part of a team

• Be able to provide a safe, culturally sensitive, and supportive home

• Complete requested background checks

Our program ensures that host families are fully prepared for the responsibility of providing a temporary safe haven to youth during a critical time in their lives. Each family receives personalized support from our bilingual (English and Spanish) staff, who are available 24/7 for emergencies.

Our family resource specialists guide families through every step, from licensing paperwork and clearances to home studies, crisis intervention, and ongoing support. Families also receive financial assistance to cover the basic needs of youth in their care, as well as reimbursement for expenses related to home studies. In addition, LAYC offers a variety of activities, including an annual picnic, field trips, and other special events to build community and connection.