OUR PROGRAM
THE DAX HOST-HOME
PROGRAM
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Depaul USA’s host-home program
offers DePaul University students
facing homelessness a stable
environment in which they can
address urgent housing needs
without derailing personal
education goals.
Depaul USA, Inc.
Draft 3/6/2015
Contents
DEPAUL USA HOST-HOME PROGRAM .......................................................................................................... 2
Depaul USA Host-Home Program ............................................................................................................. 2
How the Program Works........................................................................................................................... 2
In-take ................................................................................................................................................... 2
The Matching Process ........................................................................................................................... 2
The Host-Home Stay ............................................................................................................................. 3
Participating Partners ........................................................................................................................... 3
Host Profile and Eligibility ..................................................................................................................... 3
Host Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................. 4
Student Eligibility .................................................................................................................................. 4
Program Rules ....................................................................................................................................... 4
House Courtesies .................................................................................................................................. 5
Chores ................................................................................................................................................... 5
About Depaul USA, Inc. ......................................................................................................................... 6
Flowchart .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Want to know more? ................................................................................................................................ 9
Would you like to apply? .......................................................................................................................... 9
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DEPAUL USA HOST-HOME PROGRAM
Dax Host-Home Program for DePaul University Students Facing Homelessness
Depaul USA Host-Home Program
Every year, as many as 50 DePaul University students face the possibility of homelessness due to a
variety of reasons. Some are reeling from economic pressures resulting from the loss of a job or
scholarship. Others leave their homes because of family issues including domestic violence, abuse,
addictions, divorce, and disputes and disagreements. Whatever the reason, homelessness threatens to
interrupt students’ education and derail their progress towards personal goals and ambitions.
Depaul USA, Inc., a national homeless services organization, is partnering with DePaul University, St.
Vincent de Paul Parish in Chicago, and other members of the Vincentian Family in Chicago to help these
young people by offering the “Dax Host-Home Program for DePaul University Students”1.
The “host-home” model is a best practice that provides an alternative to the shelter system for youth
facing homelessness. Volunteers open their homes to a homeless DePaul University student (aged 18 to
24) for an academic term (10 weeks). Both the student and the volunteer host go through a screening
and training process facilitated and supported by Depaul USA. Students accepted into the program have
the desire and ability for self-improvement and commit to working with a case manager at St. Vincent
de Paul Center. The goal is for the student to explore issues that contributed to his or her homelessness
and begin to transition to onward housing at the end of the 10-week program.2
Depaul USA’s objective is to create a “home” environment that allows the student to work towards selfsufficiency. The stability and safety the host home provides make this possible. The program strives to
build a solid bridge from homelessness to independence for those vulnerable young people who
experience homelessness.
How the Program Works
In-take
DePaul University staff and faculty refer students who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to the
Assistant Dean for Community Resources. The Assistant Dean meets with students and informs them of
the host-home program. If the student is interested and the Assistant Dean believes the student is a
good fit for the program, the student completes a program application.
The Assistant Dean informs Depaul USA’s Director of Operations of the student’s interest and forwards
the student’s application. The Director of Operations reviews the file of potential hosts and identifies
possible hosts for the student. The Director of Operations (with permission) conducts a criminal
background check on the student. Hosts also submit to criminal background checks and a home visit
and participate in a training session before participating in the program.
The Matching Process
For the host-home program to work, the host and student must both be comfortable. The student must
feel safe and welcome, and the host must also feel at ease and secure. The Director of Operations
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The host-home program takes its name from the city in Southwestern France where St. Vincent de Paul attended
school.
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Case management services may be extended after the end of the 10 week period, as necessary.
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arranges an initial meeting for the student and potential host. After the meeting, the Director of
Operations contacts both the student and potential host to ensure that both want to proceed with the
program. If either declines to go forward, the Director of Operations will look for another potential
host.
If both parties are interested in proceeding, the Director of Operations facilitates a further meeting
between the host and student where the details of the student’s residency can be worked out. The host
and student agree on a move-in date, a target move-out date, and house courtesies and rules. They also
sign a document summarizing the terms of the residency to avoid misunderstandings. The Director of
Operations contacts St. Vincent de Paul Center’s Outreach Program for case management services. The
student contacts the case manager to schedule an initial meeting during which the student and case
manager will jointly develop an Action Plan that includes the needs and goals developed by the student.
The Host-Home Stay
After the student and host agree on the above details, the student moves into the host home. The case
manager and student begin to work on implementing the Action Plan. The Action Plan identifies the
resources and services the student needs to access and outlines the actions that the student will take to
move towards independence while in the host home. The case manager also liaises with the university
and community agencies to access services for the student and also explores family reunification, where
possible. The student and case manager schedule regular case management meetings at mutually
agreed times during St. Vincent de Paul Center’s regular hours of operation. With a Release of
Information Consent Form signed by the student, the identified case manager also checks in regularly
with the Director of Operations and the volunteer host to brief them on progress toward the Action
Plan.
In addition to case management services, St. Vincent de Paul Center’s Outreach Program will provide
students with access to its food pantry and clothing closet under established Outreach Program
guidelines. The Outreach Department will also track host-home referrals, services provided, and
students’ progress towards their goals.
The host will provide most of the student’s necessities during the 10-week stay including food, use of a
bathroom and laundry facilities, and a separate place to sleep. Depaul USA maintains a pool of funds for
the students, for other necessities beyond those provided by the host, including transportation and
university fees. Students can request such funding by contacting the Director of Operations.
Participating Partners
In 2014, members of the Vincentian Family in Chicago determined that they wanted to address youth
homelessness in Chicago. Depaul USA’s “Dax Host-Home Program for DePaul University Students” is the
result of this collaboration. The members of the Vincentian Family in Chicago (www.vfchicago.org)
include, in addition to Depaul USA, Inc., the Daughters of Charity (www.daughtersofcharity.org), the
Congregation of the Mission (www.vincentian.org), St. Vincent de Paul Parish (www.stvdep.org), St.
Vincent de Paul Center (www.marillacstvincent.org), the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (www.svdusa.org)
and DePaul University (www.depaul.edu).
Host Profile and Eligibility
Host-homes must have an extra bedroom/private living space for the homeless student and hosts must
be committed to providing support and structure as the student begins to address the issues that have
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led to homelessness. In addition to completing a training session, hosts complete an application process
that includes passing background and reference checks.
To participate in the program, hosts must:
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Be at least 25 years of age;
Successfully complete a background check;
Have an extra bedroom or private living space for a student;
Attend a training session; and
Be willing to open the home for a quarter term (10 weeks).
Host Responsibilities
Host responsibilities include:
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Opening their home for a quarter term (10 weeks);
Checking in regularly with Depaul USA staff to provide relevant updates;
Being open and committed to developing a true youth/adult partnership which consist of
communication and teamwork; and
Supporting the student in growing his/her life skills (i.e. daily living skills, money
management, health and wellness) and making progress against the Action Plan as agreed
upon by the student and host family.
Student Eligibility
Students seeking to participate in the host-home program must meet a series of program eligibility
criteria. Students must:
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Be enrolled at DePaul University;
Complete the application process;
Be between 18 and 24 years of age;
Demonstrate a commitment to the process of finding onward housing;
Agree to work with a case manager to develop and follow an Action Plan;
Check-in regularly with case manager to ensure supports/resources are in place;
Be open and committed to develop a true student/host partnership which consists of
communication, teamwork and coaching and valuing each other;
Be ready to grow life skills (i.e. daily living skills, money management, health and wellness);
Inform the Director of Information immediately of any feelings of being unsafe and/or
uncomfortable3; and
Abide by federal and local laws and program terms, house rules and house courtesies.
Program Rules
There are several essential rules that all students and hosts are expected to follow. These program rules
are in place to ensure that the safety, health, and well-being of each individual is respected.
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The case manager will communicate this immediately to the Operations Director.
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No weapons are permitted within a host home. The consequences for this behavior may
include suspension and/or discharge from the housing program.
No physical or sexual assault will be tolerated toward anyone within a host home. Students
will be suspended at minimum and may be immediately discharged if they engage in this
behavior. In addition, Depaul USA will not tolerate verbal aggression, threats, or
harassment.
No physical or sexual activity involving students is permitted in the host home.
Consequences for this behavior may include suspension and/or discharge from the program.
No outside guests are allowed within a host home without the notification and approval of
the host. Consequences for this behavior may include suspension and/or discharge from the
program.
Host-home volunteers may develop additional rules for their respective homes.
House Courtesies
Host-homes may also establish a set of house courtesies to be followed in the home. They may also
assign the student a reasonable set of chores. It is very important that the host and student discuss and
agree on acceptable and unacceptable behaviors before the residency period begins.
The following house courtesies are recommended guidelines. The student should:
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Check-in with the host when arriving at the home and notify the host when leaving. This
allows the host to know if the student is in the home in the event of an emergency.
Keep the volume low when using radio, television, or listening to music.
Refrain from yelling out windows, sitting on window ledges, placing radios in windows, and
hanging objects out of windows.
Wear appropriate clothing at all times.
Respect the host home and its property as students will be responsible for repair or
replacement of damaged personal property.
Refrain from lending or borrowing personal possessions or money to/from the host. Depaul
USA cannot be responsible for the damage, loss, or theft or items, or for ensuring the return
of borrowed items.
Keep the host home neat and clean up dishes and food remains after eating.
Refrain from bringing visitors home without the consent of the host.
Chores
Hosts may assign students with a reasonable set of chores related to the student’s residence in the
house and use of the house’s facilities. The host family will explain any necessary details about how to
perform chores. Such chores might include:
Bathroom
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Clean toilets, sinks, and showers
Sweep and mop floor
Empty trash
Replace trash bag, toilet paper, paper towels, and soap (when necessary)
Living Room and Dining Room
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Wipe down dining table, coffee table, and end tables
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Sweep and mop the floor
Kitchen
Remove unnecessary items from counter
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Bedroom
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Clean and disinfect counters, tables, chairs and sink
Clean and disinfect microwave
Sweep floor
Mop floor
Clean stove, oven and broiler drawer
Empty trash and replace bag
Keep bedroom neat and clean
Vacuum
Empty trash
Make bed
About Depaul USA, Inc.
Depaul USA is part of the international group, Depaul International, which works in six countries to assist
individuals facing homelessness. Taken in their entirety, Depaul USA programs do four things. They help
homeless men and women: 1. Overcome the immediate crisis of homelessness by providing basic needs;
2. Improve their health and well-being; 3. Increase their economic self-sufficiency; and 4. Attain and
sustain permanent housing.
Depaul USA serves more than 2,000 people annually and has a combined operating and capital budget
of more than $5 million. Our Vincentian values underpin what we do:
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We celebrate the potential of people;
We put words into action;
We aim to take a wider role in civil society; and
We believe in rights and responsibilities.
Depaul USA currently operates programs in Philadelphia, Macon, New Orleans, and St. Louis.
Philadelphia, PA
Depaul House is a transitional housing program in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood that assists
homeless men access employment and permanent housing. Depaul House also has a Medical Respite
Program that provides homeless men with a place to recuperate following discharge from a hospital.
Depaul USA runs a for-profit social enterprise called Immaculate Cleaning Services, a professional
cleaning business that hires residents of Depaul House and generates profits to support Depaul House.
In 2015, Depaul USA will launch St. Raymond's House, a permanent, supportive housing for men and
women with chronic health problems.
Macon, GA
Daybreak is a day/resource center that provides Macon's homeless population with critical services, all
in one place. Daybreak Center provides hygiene, health, education, and job preparation services.
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Daybreak also has a free medical clinic that provides primary health care services to homeless and low
income individuals.
New Orleans, LA
In New Orleans, Depaul USA operates a rapid re-housing program that takes homeless men and women
from streets and shelters and places them in housing and provides supportive services so that they can
maintain their housing. Depaul USA also provides a transportation program that connects homeless
men and women with a variety of services including St. Vincent de Paul Free Pharmacy and an eye
doctor and optician.
St. Louis, MO
In St. Louis, Depaul USA provides permanent supportive housing for 75 former disabled homeless men
and women via a scattered site program. A team of case workers regularly visit the 75 men and women
to provide them with necessary social services so that they remain lease compliant, housed, and
healthy.
Please visit www.depaulusa.org to learn more.
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Host families apply to host students in
the homes in the Depaul USA HHP.
Families passing initial screening
undergo background checks, and
home inspection.
Asst. Dean of Community Resources
(CR) identify need for housing,
recommends Depaul USA’s HHP, helps
student complete application.
CR contacts Depaul USA, Inc., sends
over completed application.
Families meeting all program
requirements undergo training and
prepare to host students.
CR and DPUSA meet to review
student application and host family
applications. Does a suitable host
situation exist?
NO
YES
DPUSA arranges meeting with CR,
student, and host. Is this a viable
match for both student and host?
DPUSA and CR place
student on waitlist
while seeking other
solutions and hosts.
NO
YES
DPUSA contacts St. Vincent de Paul
Center’s Outreach Program and
engages case manager for student.
Depaul USA, Inc.’s Dax Host-Home
Program for DePaul University Students
Flowchart
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Student moves into home. Case
manager meets with student and host.
Case manager makes assessment and
plan with student.
Case manager, CR, DPUSA, and host
check in frequently to assess progress
and other needs.
Want to know more?
To learn more about becoming a part of the Host-home Program please contact:
Charles W. Levesque
Executive Director
charles.levesque@depaulusa.org
312-362-5191
Kelli J. McGee
Director of Operations
kelli.mcgee@depaulusa.org
312-362-7729
Would you like to apply?
Please complete the appropriate application, print, sign, and sent to info@depaulusa.org.
Depaul USA--HH App
for Student.pdf
Depaul USA-HH
Application for Host.pdf
Depaul USA, Inc. is part of Depaul International, a group of charities working to support homeless and
marginalized people around the world.
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