Home2Home aims to help people aged 16-19 who are vulnerable but low risk to make that final step to independence. We recruit ‘Hosts’ from all walks of life who have a spare room and want to make a difference by providing accommodation and support to a young person in need.
Watch Gerry and Gamil’s story
The impact of living with a Host can be life-changing for a young person, providing them with stability, security, and a supportive environment making it less likely they fall into homelessness again. In return, Hosts find the experience immensely rewarding, often forming lasting bonds and witnessing significant positive changes in the young person’s life.
We spoke to Gerry, a current host who has supported young person Gamil.
“My experience as a Host has far exceeded my expectations. Initially, I was apprehensive about connecting with the young people and providing the support they needed, but the training and ongoing support from St Basils have been invaluable. Witnessing the young person’s growth and development has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve also enjoyed the mutual learning experience and gained new perspectives that have enriched my own life.
One young person I supported secured a place at a university in Liverpool. We worked on money management and life skills, which gave them the confidence to move forward. Being a Host has provided these young people with a sense of stability and security they may not have experienced before, and it’s been heart-warming to see their motivation and hope for the future increase. My advice for new Hosts is to approach this with an open heart and mind, be patient, and offer non-judgmental support. Even small acts of kindness can make a significant impact.”
A Senior Manager of Children’s Services at WCC said:
“Supported Lodging hosts provide a valuable stepping stone for our care-experienced young people. They offer the chance to test out independence with the right support before these young people negotiate the adult world of living on their own for the first time in their lives. Supported Lodgings hosts enrich our young people’s lives, and we have seen this reciprocated by our young people forming trusting relationships that matter to both the host and the young person.”