• Providing a short term stay, typically 60-90 days

• Provide a grab and go breakfast and an evening meal

• Must have a spare bedroom that is private and furnished

• Must have on site laundry and full washroom that youth are able to use

• Providers receive $90 per week to offset additional costs

• Provide a safe and stable space where youth can work towards their goals.

• Receive 24/7 on call support from program staff

• Must be passionate about supporting youth as they navigate their independence

“Being apart of this program has given us more insight on what to look for in our own kids as they grow up. We get to learn different communication styles and ways to improve our own.” — Anonymous Provider

“We saw the article about the Host Homes program in the Kitchener Post.  We talked about it and felt that this was something we could see ourselves doing.  We’ve always believed that you can’t help everyone, but you can help someone.  The Host Homes program makes sure that the Host Home providers are clearance checked and they also screen the youth.  The youth that are accepted into the program are low risk.  They are young people who have not had an easy start in life.  We have been hosting since 2019 and have hosted 6 youth so far.  Their stories, if they choose to share, remind us of how lucky we were to have a safe and stable start.  To help another achieve a sense of belonging is truly wonderful.  To this day we still keep in touch with some of these youth.  It’s rewarding to know that what we are doing is making a positive difference in someone’s life.” — Anonymous Provider

“I read about oneROOF’s Host Home pilot in the newspaper and immediately felt drawn to it.  My husband had died a year earlier and my children had both moved to other cities for education and work. I did not want to leave our family home and felt I could do some good with my space and my time, by inviting youth in during their time of transition.  I have hosted 2 young women in my home over the past 2 years.  I learned much from these young women and was also able to provide support and guidance to them when needed.  oneROOF has done a good job matching me with participants and have been sensitive to my needs as a single host.” — Anonymous Provider

• A short term stay, typically 60-90 days

• A private bedroom (furnished)

• Access to washroom and laundry facilities

• A grab and go breakfast and evening meal

• Access to essentials, food hampers, and hygiene supplies through oneROOF Youth Services

• Support from staff and providers to work towards your goals

• Youth must be willing to engage with supports through Weekly check-ins with staff to support you with your goals and housing

• Youth must respect the providers, the home, privacy, and adhere to the program contract

• Youth pay $90 per week stipend to hosts to offset costs

“While I was in the host home I was able to get away from negative people and focus on myself. I started working full time, and saved up to get my own place. My hosts helped me learn about money management and healthy routines. The staff supported me the whole time and I was able to move into my own place” -Anonymous Youth, 2022

“I got to see what it was like to be in a happy and healthy home. I bonded really easily with my hosts, and they helped me so much. I benefited tremendously from this program and I hope that more homes participate so that the program can thrive.”- Anonymous Youth, 2022

“I felt supported 100% of the time, between check-ins with staff and my hosts being there for me. I feel confident in my ability to continue on with work and hopefully going to college in the future, and will make the best of life.” – Anonymous Youth, 2022

“This was my second time in a host home, I had been on my own for a while but some unexpected life stuff came up and I felt like I was back to square one and was losing my housing.  I was able to get the chance to be in a host home again, until I could get back on my feet.  If this program wasn't still running I don't know what I would've done.  - Anonymous youth, age 21, 2024

“I was at my lowest, and got to a point where I had nowhere to go. Being older felt like I was on my own with nothing, and no one would care to help. My hosts took me in without judgement and offered so much guidance I had never had growing up.  My main goal was to find a stable job and get back on my feet financially which I did.  But they encouraged me to invest in my future and work towards my high school diploma too, now I'm just a few credits away from finishing.” - Anonymous youth, Age 23, 2025

“The main thing I've learned is the importance of community.  Being in a host home I gained access to an entire village of help, my hosts, their family and friends.  They all did so much to support me, im most grateful for that” - Anonymous youth, Age 20, 2024