As seasonal and mostly rural communities, the Cape and Islands feel the effects of the housing crisis acutely. HPC, in partnership with Barnstable County and HUD, has implemented a Host Homes Program as one unique and creative tool to help create more housing. This program pairs young people aged 18-24 experiencing housing instability with community members who have underutilized space in their homes. HPC staff matches each young adult with a host, based on living style compatibility, for a stay of up to 12 months. Stays may be extended to meet individual needs due to the extensive waitlists for housing on the Cape and Islands.

 

Young adult participants gain access to short-term shelter in the host home while building meaningful connections with their supportive host(s). The host home serves as a steppingstone, allowing young adults to save up their income while safely engaging in their long-term housing search. Each participant works closely with an HPC Case Manager to focus not only on future housing, but also on academic, employment, budgeting, and other individualized goals. This support helps young adults on their pathway to independence and success.  

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There are many unknowns when it comes to hosting a young adult. It requires trust, hope, vulnerability, commitment, communication, healthy boundaries, and flexibility. 

 

Although hosts are not required to provide any support aside from stable housing, many hosts choose to help young adults develop practical and emotional skills needed to live independently, such as budgeting or cooking for oneself. Other hosts may simply provide safe housing and hold space for young adults by offering a listening ear.  

 

Though hugely underutilized, the host homes model has been successful across the United States, Canada, and the UK. HPC works with partner programs to ensure that we adhere to the best and most up to date practices.