hosting a homeless young person

Newdirections

Has anyone ever done this? I have seen centrepoint and a number of other charities asking for hosts and I am considering it. The idea of fostering always appealed to me but I am not sure I have enough time to commit to it at the moment, so this seems like a worthwhile alternative.

I would love to hear anyone's experiences.

hazyjo

My friend used to work for Crisis and I would often hear tragic stories. It's a very honourable thing you're thinking of doing.


It probably goes without saying that, even at a young age, homeless people can suffer with addictions or mental health issues, possibly from childhood trauma. People can look at it with rose tinted glasses. You may make a massive difference to one person's life, but another may abuse your kindness and generosity. You'd have to be prepared for that - maybe they offer guidelines or advice for you, it's definitely worth looking into. Also, presuming you have no counselling training, your idea of the best thing for them may not be the best thing for them!


My OH has had childhood trauma, addictions and mental health issues for 40+ years. He has said the last 3 years in our lovely home with cats away from bad influences has done more for his state of mind than 3 visits to rehab and any attempts by family at keeping him clean/safe.


So who knows, you may be able to turn someone's life around just by giving them a temporary bed, but there's LOTS to consider.


Good luck.


Jx

swingaloo

It could be very rewarding and Ive thought about it myself. However, I know I couldn't do it, I become too attached and could never let someone go back to the street after giving them a warm bed and support,

Primrose

If you haven't got time to really devote yourself to making a difference to a young person's life, perhaps not the right thing to do at this point. You need to remember that most of these young people are badly damaged emotionally and some may already have start to develop criminal backgrounds. How would you feel if you found if your personal possessions started to be stolen.
You have to be able to trust the person you're offering a home to. Many young people might be suspicious, or difficult to deal with. They also might not want to accept "My house, My rules" edit.


On the other hand, if you are the sort of person who can engage with young people you might be able to make all the difference is turning somebody's life around. It would be a big commitment so why not try volunteering for homeless organisation first and get to understand more about the sort of triggers which cause people to become homeless in the first place. This might better equip you emotionally if you then decide you want to take it further.

Detroit

If you don't do this already, I'd suggest you start by volunteering for a homelessness charity. You can do your bit for a cause that's obviously important to you, without committing more time than you have available.
This is a way to make a difference, and help you make contacts with people working in this sector. This may help you decide if it's for you.
I think hazyjo is right to mention the possibility of complex needs, so it would be wise to gain as much awareness as possible and to manage your own expectations.

Savvy_Sue

Doing it through an established organisation like Crisis is definitely the way to go. Another good one, if you have it locally, is Nightstop. You may think "what good is one night?" but it can provide a very necessary breathing space while accommodation is sorted out.

burlington6

OP, you deserve credit for trying to help.

We live in a society where people will sign a petition but won't actually do anything worthwhile then act all superior

You will make a difference!