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HOPE Host Home FAQs
What is the HOPE Host Home Program?
The HOPE Host Home Program connects compassionate community members who have spare space with migrant individuals or families in need of transitional housing. This program provides safe shelter, assistance with work permit navigation, promotes financial and cultural literacy, connects people to employment options, and allows new migrants time to determine a realistic route to self-sufficiency. Most importantly, through personal relationships and community connections, the host home program provides HOPE for the future.
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I'm wondering if the space I have will work. What kind of “home” is eligible to be a Host Home?
Any spare room, basement with proper egress, rental, ADU, or Airbnb can be offered for up to 90 days at a time. Our program matches a variety of community housing options to specific scenarios so as long as you are the property owner, we want to learn more about what you can offer.
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How can I get involved in the HOPE Host Home Program?
You can get involved by:
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Registering to be a host home. Call 211 to learn more and sign up! Our team will then call you to answer your specific questions and schedule a follow up interview.
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Volunteering with Hope Has No Borders. Check out our Volunteer page for upcoming ways to get involved.
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Donating to support our program. More funds allow us to open more host homes! Click to Donate or Donate by Shopping
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Following our social media pages and share with your networks. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
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I'm worried I don’t have much time/money/knowledge to offer. What are the responsibilities of being a host home?
Host homes provide temporary housing, a safe and supportive environment, and assistance with basic community navigation. You will specify any additional ways you may want to help (i.e., sharing weekly meals, providing a bike, practicing English,...) and these expectations will be set in your Household Expectations Agreement so that your role is clearly defined within your comfort zone. Host Homes will also receive 10 hours of monthly case management support and additional "Empowerment Toolkit" stipends to reimburse guest needs as they are identified by the case manager.
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What is included in the Empowerment Toolkit?
The Empowerment Toolkit includes resources for self-sufficiency, such as employment assistance, transportation support, and basic needs. Guests will be provided educational guides about topics like social work norms, domestic violence, and resource navigation recommendations. Additionally, stipends are allocated to reimburse guests/hosts for identified needs (i.e., children's clothing, bus passes, or CPR certification).
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I want to help but I don't want to do it alone! What support do host homes receive from Hope Has No Borders?
Host homes receive monthly stipends, structured agreements about household expectations, comprehensive case management support, and a robust & intentional matching process. Additionally, we encourage hosts to reach out to our extensive volunteer network & support groups as well as their own social circles to creatively source support. Expectations will be discussed and defined in written agreements so that boundaries are clear in advance. Guests are also required to demonstrate progress on their case management goals toward independence to continue in the program.
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I am a newly arrived migrant in Colorado. How do I get signed up to be matched into the HOPE Host Home Program?
As of May 1st, 2024 community members with spare space can call 211 to sign up for the program. A migrant newly arriving to Colorado will be able to call 211 to register for our program on June 15th, 2024. Please note that guests are required to demonstrate progress on specific goals toward independence to continue in the program. This program is for temporary stabilization in order to strategically transition to independent and permanent housing.
Will everyone be background-checked? I am worried that someone will steal from me.
Yes, all matched hosts and migrants undergo background checks. Additional details and checks can be requested by hosts upon matching. That being said, all relationships involve personal risks of some sort and volunteer liability waivers will be required. It is important to consider the context from a migrant's perspective as they are in an inherently more vulnerable position with limited cultural knowledge, rights, and access to resources. In addition, if they were to commit a crime, like stealing from a host, they risk deportation if reported. Most migrants are simply trying to survive and better their lives, so taking these type of risks, especially from a host program that is actively supporting, them is highly unlikely.
What happens if I can no longer be a host or if the match is not working as expected for either the Host or migrant?
Property agreements include language for a range of exit strategies, covering immediate removal, changes to the agreed-upon timeline, and emergency situations. We want this to be a comfortable and helpful situation for all involved so our case managers will help set expectations, resolve conflict, or address any concerns as early as possible. These agreements are not leases and clearly state that they can be terminated for any reason at any time, requiring no sort of formal eviction process. We believe proactive expectations setting and regular communication can mitigate most issues but have built in support for early termination if needed.
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Can I donate to support the Host Home Program if I'm unable to host?
Absolutely! Your donation helps provide housing and assistance to newly arrived migrants. We cannot run this program without your support! We currently have a waitlist of homes that can be matched and opened as soon as sufficient funding exists to support the stipend and case management for their home. Click to Donate
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What is involved in the matching process? How long does it take?
Matches are made through a screening process considering compatibility and specific needs based on intake forms completed through 211 and interviews conducted by HOPE directors. Questions are asked regarding lifestyle, location, substance use, financial need, support offered, & timeframe of availability. The intake through 211 will take approximately 20 minutes and the follow-up interview can last up to an hour. The specific needs of migrant(s) are considered in relationship to the specific offers made by the host. The time line for being matched will vary widely and is dependent on current funding and the quality of the match. Priority will be given to matching hosts with prior relevant experience such as fostering or careers in immigration. Additionally hosts with lower stipend requests, in locations where guests already have work or school connections, and hosts which are bilingual or culturally matched to their guests will be prioritized. Guests who have already demonstrated progress toward a plan for self sufficiency (such as having already attended legal clinics) will be given priority in matching.
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What if I only want to offer the physical space and no additional support?
While we believe relationships between guests and hosts increase the value added to the experience, no additional supports are required between hosts and guests. The only additional requirement for hosts is to complete a brief monthly check-in survey and to adhere to all safety policies and household expectations as outlined in the written agreements signed at intake.
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Do migrants pay rent in addition to the stipend paid by Hope Has No Borders to the host? What if I am willing to extend their stay longer than 90 days?
The purpose of this temporary housing program is to allow guests time to stabilize, acclimate, connect to resources, save money, or await their work authorization... The stipend is paid to hosts by Hope Has No Borders to offset the host's increased utility costs and any additional supports offered (such as occasional transportation to guests). Guests do not pay anything during the 90 days but must demonstrate progress on their identified goals toward independence. However, many guests would benefit from a longer stay than 90 days, especially for those awaiting work authorization, and we are happy to support a renegotiated agreement, extending stays or transferring guests into a traditional, short term lease at the end of their 90 days.
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How does the HOPE Host Home Program build better communities?
By providing a supportive environment and connecting newly arrived migrants with local resources and opportunities, this program fosters relationships as a foundation for mutual growth. Hosts regularly speak about the positive changes within their own households that occur alongside their ability to support their guests into self-sufficiency. These personal interactions encourage a more vibrant and integrated community where people from different backgrounds can build meaningful connections based in fundamental values of compassion, trust, generosity, courage, service, & hope.
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