Connections Host Home Program

Join Our Volunteer Community!

hosthomes@cocoonhouse.org

We’re in a time where it takes all of us to make sure our youngest and most vulnerable community members stay housed and are able to thrive. The Connections Host Home Program provides a way for Snohomish County community members—like you—to have a tangible impact in reducing youth homelessness in your own community.

A SHORT-TERM, TEMPORARY STAY (1-3 WEEKS)

What is a host home? A host home is a single person, a couple or a family who open their heart and home to a teenager between the ages of 12 and 17 years old, at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Our program is a short-term crisis housing option, so stays are only up to 21 days, and the long-term solution is what we’re working toward from Day 1. Whenever possible and safe, we strive to reunite the youth with their family. When it isn’t, we help the youth find another safe place to be.

“I NEVER KNEW PEOPLE LIVED LIKE THIS.” – A 16 YEAR-OLD YOUTH WHO STAYED IN ONE OF OUR HOST HOMES AND EXPERIENCED A HOME ENVIRONMENT WHERE RESPECT, HEALTHY COMMUNICATION, AND CALM WAS THE NORM.

A host home doesn’t need to be a parent or guardian, only a caring person or family who wants to help and can provide a safe and welcoming space in their home. Connections staff provide a case manager to work closely with the teen, and our Host Home Program Coordinator is in lockstep with you to support a successful stay. You provide a caring adult presence, positive role-modeling, patience, life skills, fun, conversation and sometimes just quiet and calm.

Are You Ready to Learn More?

Does being a host home sound interesting to you? We’d love to provide more information and answer your questions so you can decide if this is the right opportunity for you. Below you can find our Frequently Asked Questions.

Call our Host Home Program Coordinator at 425-737-5419 or email us at hosthomes@cocoonhouse.org.

You can also fill out the form below and we’ll reach out! 

Let’s work together to break the cycle of youth homelessness one young person at a time. We’d love you to join our Connections Community!

"Becoming a host home with Cocoon House has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. Knowing that we are making a difference for youth and that we are able to share our home and give them a place where they can feel safe and accepted for who they truly are is a feeling that words cannot fully describe. We can physically see hope and confidence grow in these young people and we are so honored to be a part of their growth." 

- Cassie & Mike

Connect with us!

For questions or to attend one of our weekly information sessions, please contact us.

 

 FAQs

 

  • A host home is a short-term housing option for youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The goal of a host home is to provide a safe, temporary, and welcoming space where a young person has the support needed to reunify with their family or identify other housing options.

  • Youth find themselves needing a safe place to stay for any number of reasons, including family conflict, abuse, poverty, or being evicted because of gender identity or sexual orientation. Host homes provide a healthy and necessary environment for a youth to re-engage in school, re-unify with their family (when possible), and begin working on other important goals.

  • Host homes are families -of all kinds- and individuals from our community who want to make a difference in a young person's life by opening up a space in their heart and home. Host homes not only provide a room in their home for a young person but play a vital role in creating a safe and stable environment.

  • To be a part of the Host Homes Program a youth has to...

    • be between 12 - 17 years old

    • be at risk of or experiencing homelessness

    • be willing to work with a case manager

    • live in Snohomish County

    • have goals around housing, employment, education, and life-skill development

  • No. Youth that stay in host homes are not part of the child welfare system. A host home stay is short-term and temporary with the goal of family reunification whenever possible.

  • Host families are not generally compensated. However, a stipend will be available during a youth's stay if a host home need support offsetting costs of basic needs. We will also financially support the youth when needed.

  • A youth can stay up to 21 days in a host home. During that time they will work with their case manager and our family engagement team to evaluate reunification and look into long-term options if needed.

  • The Connections Program is designed so families and youth are just a phone call away from support. We have a dedicated staff member who can respond 24/7 when immediate help is needed by a host or youth.

  • Yes. The application process includes a background check, reference checks, and 16+ hours of training. We provide ongoing training and a chance to connect with the other host homes in our Connections Community.

  • The Connections staff will be involved and available before, during, and after the stay. The youth will have a dedicated case manager to help them have a successful stay and to work on goals for school, well-being, and long-term success. The Connections Program Coordinator will walk step-by-step with the host home to make sure things are going well, provide support where needed, and answer any questions that might come up.