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Host Homes Program

YES’ Host Homes is a program that provides youth (ages 16-24) who would otherwise be homeless, a place to live in the community that is safe and secure. The program connects youth with local families who have a space in their home for a young person to stay. The purpose is to prevent youth from entering into a cycle of homelessness. Host Home families are neither landlords nor guardians; the goal is to offer a homelike location and social connections to youth who would otherwise be accessing emergency shelter.

Youth referred to YES are assessed for potential participation in the program and once accepted are matched with a Host Home family. These families may range from single individuals, couples, or parents with children. The Host Homes family provides the youth with a room in their home and receives modest monthly compensation for room and board.

YES staff provide ongoing support to both youth and the Host Home family.  The goal is for a stay that will enable the youth to remain safe and secure while working with YES staff to obtain permanent and stable housing of their own. The length of stay is varied based on individual need and the family’s availability.

We are currently seeking Host Homes families

If you are interested in becoming a Host Home please join us at our drop in information session!
Date: Wednesday, October 12th 2022
Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm
Location: YES’ Carriage House at 196 Brock Street (building is located behind main shelter building).

* A virtual information session will also be held on Saturday, October 15th from 10:00am-11:00am via Zoom

To attend the virtual information session or learn more about YES’ Host Homes Program contact Melissa Free at mfree@yesshelter.ca.

To apply

Applications to be a Host Homes Family are open now until October 21, 2022 at 4pm. Placement in the home is expected to occur mid-November 2022.

Submitted applications will be reviewed by YES staff. After careful consideration only applicants chosen for the next step will be contacted to set up an interview and site visit of their home. Hosts will also need to provide a current and clear criminal record, vulnerable sector check and Child Welfare Report to be considered. Once interviews, site visits, and reference checks are completed applicants will be informed if they are the successful candidate and will be provided with a Host Homes Manual which describes compensation, rules, and expectations.

Download Application Form Here

Please submit completed applications via the options below:

YES Shelter extends a very big thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting our efforts in launching this very important program! Funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has allowed us to take a unique and community focused approach to overcoming youth homelessness. This pilot project will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact on our community and demonstrate an alternative solution that could be implemented across Ontario.