Become a Chosen Family
Fenix Youth Project’s host home program is a housing option where unaccompanied youth choose to live with community members. The goal of this program is to provide culturally responsive housing within a youth's own community. We do this by recruiting, training, and supporting community members that share their homes. Youth live with community members from one week to one year, depending on their needs.
Fenix is committed to being informed by a philosophy of solidarity, not charity; we believe that communities can thrive when we share our resources from the perspective of ‘us and us’ and not ‘us and them’.
We need hosts for Fenix now more than ever. Many housing resources have shrunk during COVID-19 and many young people have lost jobs and are on the verge of losing their housing.
Hosting a youth is a messy and magical experience. It can be a transformational experience for youth and hosts and requires a deep commitment to relationship and trust building. Becoming a host is a leap of faith, and we recognize that it's not for everyone. We find that community members who align with our host home values are a good fit for the host home. Check out our full list of host home values here.
Learn more about our Host Home Program here or us at 443-736-7028. If you're not able to host youth at this time, there are many other ways to get involved with Fenix Youth Project.
NEXT STEPS: If you're interested in becoming a host in Fenix we recommend following the steps listed below.
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Long Or Short-Term Hosting: What's the right fit for you? Fenix Youth Project is currently recruiting hosts for the Chosen Family Program. Learn more about our program by contacting us, or attending an upcoming host home information session.
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We recommend reading the following books to ensure that becoming a host home is the right fit for you.
Sister Outsider - Audre Lorde
Redefining Realness - Janet Mock
A People's History of the United States - Howard Zinn
The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas
The New Jim Crow - Michelle Alexander
White Fragility - Robin DiAngelo
But I'm Not Racist: Tools for Well-Meaning Whites - Kathy O'Bear
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America - Ibram X. Kendi
The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin
Evicted - Michael Desmond
Heavy: An American Memoir - Kiese Laymon
White Rage - Carol Anderson
Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue - Nicholas M. Teich
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Before applying, please review our host home requirements and values listed above. When you're ready, download the application, fill it out completely, and scan and email the completed application to Amber. The application process will include:
The application (download here and scan and email it to Amber) Amber Green, Executive Director: amber@fenixyouthproject.org
Three references checks
Background checks
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Potential hosts must complete an application process that includes paperwork, at least two interviews, background checks, and 16 hours of training.
The first interview will be with a youth worker and a young person if possible, the second interview will be with our Managing Staff. The interviews are meant for the team to get to know you and understand why you want to share your home. The second interview typically takes place in your home.
To learn more about the training, contact: Amber Green, Executive Dir. amber@fenixyouthproject.org