Host Family Program Overview
Insert logo and/or program name here.
Core Responsibilities of a Host Home:
1. Provide clean, safe and secure housing for [editable amount of time], including fully furnished sleeping quarters
and access to private bathing facilities.
2. Provide three nutritious meals daily, or meals as reasonably requested by the client.
3. Welcome guests into your home and make them feel comfortable. Encourage them to feel included in your family
and community.
4. Orient your guest to the local neighborhood and available resources such as public transportation, library, grocery
store, ESL classes, and cultural and religious centers.
5. Regularly communicate with case manager regarding additional client needs, issues and/or concerns with living
arrangements or any disputes that may arise in the course of providing housing and meals.
Client Information:
Client Name: ___________________________________________
Cell Phone #: ___________________________________________
Social Service Provider Information:
Supervising Organization: _____________________________________________________________________
Organization Address: _________________________________________________________________________
(Street Address)
(City)
(State)
(Zip Code)
Case Manager: ___________________________________________
Work Phone #: ___________________________________________
Cell Phone #: ____________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________________
Crisis Intervention Protocol:
If your guest appears to be in considerable distress or reports being in crisis, contact the case manager immediately. Signs
that someone is experiencing crisis include: uncontrollable crying, confusion, intense outburst of anger or curing, threats
of violence, verbal abuse, disorientation and expression of hopelessness or suicide. If the case manager can’t be reached,
reach out to your emergency contact:
Emergency Contact Name: __________________________________
Primary Phone #: __________________________________________
Secondary Phone #: ________________________________________
If you, your family, your guest or your property are in immediate danger call 911.
Additionally, notify their case manager immediately if:
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Your guest fails to return home after a period of 24 hours.
You notice drastic and concerning changes in your guest’s temperament or behavior, or if a critical incident
occurs (hospitalization, threat or attempted suicide, police involvement, etc.).
There are any significant changes in the housing arrangement, such as additional persons joining the household
(e.g. family members, foster child, etc.).
A significant dispute occurs between the host and guest.
Tips for Being an Effective Host
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind*:
DO establish clear expectations and house rules that both parties agree to abide by.
DO learn about, respect and accommodate the culture, customs, language and beliefs of your guest. Make your guest feel
comfortable by occasionally cooking meals from their home country. Be aware of cultural differences. For example,
women should not initiate physical contact with men (even shaking hands). If you feel this might be culturally acceptable,
ask!
DO remember that trauma recovery is an ongoing process. Recognize that questions about their family, home country,
reasons for fleeing, or experience in detention may trigger flashbacks or extreme emotional reactions. Let your guest share
personal stories when they are ready.
DO speak slowly and repeat often. Communicating across language barriers can be challenging. Be patient and
understanding.
DO provide opportunities to reduce isolation and depression, and encourage your guest to participate in activities such as
a soccer team, faith community, or volunteer service program. Additionally, show him or her the library to access free
internet and books and give your guest a card that contains your name, contact information, and home address.
DO orient your guest to their local neighborhood. Take a tour of your local neighborhood, point out valuable resources
(grocery store, library, etc.) and provide an orientation to the local public transportation system.
DO build your friendship slowly, just like in any other relationship. Be reliable, non-judgmental, and a compassionate
listener. Allow time for trust to grow organically.
DO reach out to their case manager if any challenges arise.
DON’T raise expectations regarding the refugee determination process by telling them they will get be granted some form
of legal protective status.
DON’T offer legal advice, mental health counseling, or other services. Your role is to provide a compassionate and
welcoming home, nothing more and nothing less.
DON’T make promises that you can’t keep. Only offer to do something which requires an ongoing commitment if you are
confident you can deliver.
DON’T share your guest’s name, address, personal details or photo on any internet, social networking sites and/or other
public media and don’t discuss information about your guest with others until given their permission. In some situations,
sharing personal information could put their life, their family or their legal case in jeopardy.
Valuable Resources:
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First Steps: An LIRS Guide for Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants Release from Detention: First
Steps helps refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants navigate the complex system of laws, agencies, and public and
private systems they must master by providing important information on legal rights, responsibilities, and
eligibility for services and benefits such as healthcare and education, according to immigration status. Download a
copy online, http://lirs.org/firststeps/.
*This list was adapted from materials produced by the Australian Community Placement Network. Visit
https://s3.amazonaws.com/pieronline-ahn-hmo-page-attachments/hmo_page_attachments/238/original.pdf for more
information.