FREDERICK, Md. (PRWEB)
August 24, 2021

The Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP) of Frederick County is seeking volunteer hosts for its program, the Thrive! Host Home Network. As the school year begins, SHIP has begun to see an increased need for hosts to participate in this program. Since its inception in 2019, the program has paired more than 20 homeless youth with hosts who provided safe and secure temporary housing.

Hosts are asked to provide a private room for a young person, which could be part of their home or a separate space. They are asked to assist in providing groceries and occasional transportation. Hosts are not asked to parent, but to provide stable shelter for an independent young adult. During a young person’s 3-6 month stay, they work directly with a Thrive case manager to create a plan to exit the host home and enter a more permanent housing solution. Both the host and the young person have full access to SHIP’s many support services during this time. Hosts also receive a stipend to assist with the cost of participation.

While many hosts have no previous connection to homeless youth, many have an existing relationship with a young person in need of services. Adults who are already acting as an informal host for a young person without stable housing are encouraged to contact SHIP and start accessing its services. A background check will be required.

For more information, visit thrive.shipfrederick.com or contact Maureen at maureen@shipfrederick.com.

According to the US Department of Education, there are over 1.5 million public school students nationwide who experience homelessness each year. In June 2019, there were 158 unaccompanied homeless youth enrolled in Frederick County Public Schools. SHIP works to improve the lives of Frederick County’s most vulnerable youth who are experiencing homelessness.

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