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For Prospective Hosts «« Return to FAQ group list How does HOSTS for HOSPITALS' service differ from other hospital-related housing? HOSTS for HOSPITALS provides lodging through volunteer-hosts who have a spare bedroom in their home. This service is available to all potential guests regardless of a patient's age or illness. ↑↑ top Who are the hosts? Hosts are the cornerstone of the Hosts for Hospitals program. Our hosts are ordinary people in all walks of life. At the same time they are extraordinary in that they are willing to share their home with people in need. The host homes range from apartments to brownstones to single-family homes. Before being accepted into the program, HOSTS for HOSPITALS screens each host and conducts an on-sight inspection of the host's home. Our hosts also receive training to be sensitive to guests' feelings of stress and concern for their loved ones. Hosts know to respect the privacy of their guests and thus do not expect to socialize with guests unless guests wish to do so. ↑↑ top What services do the hosts provide? As a host you will need to provide a clean and comfortable place to sleep, a bathroom and a feeling of home. You will also give your guests directions to your home, to the hospital in question, to grocery stores and to the nearest publc transportation. You are not asked to provide meals or transportation--these items ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR GUESTS. Many hosts, however, are happy to help out in these and other areas, such as by making their kitchen available at least for light meals. You'll explain to your guests whatever additional services you wish to provide when you first speak with them by phone. ↑↑ top Which hospitals does HOSTS for HOSPITALS provide service to? We accept guests associated with patients receiving treatment at any hospital within the area of Greater Philadelphia, including Southern New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware. ↑↑ top Who may be a guest? HOSTS for HOSPITALS is open to guests of all races, faiths and nationalities provided that the guest:
↑↑ top How do potential guests learn about the HOSTS for HOSPITALS program? In the majority of cases, patients and their families first learn about the HOSTS for HOSPITALS program through hospital staff who are involved with the patient's treatment at a Philadelphia area hospital. Referrals quite often also come from staff at healthcare organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. On other occassions potential guests learn about the program through a healthcare provider in their home community, or, another family who has used our service in the past. ↑↑ top Are guests references required? Yes! So that you may feel comfortable about opening your home to those in need, we conduct a personal character reference for each adult guest. This reference guest's home community. We check to know that the guest is considerate, responsible, reliable and able to independently manage within the host home. The rule of thumb is: would I invite this person to stay in my home? In addition, we require that potential guests be free of alcohol or other substance dependency, and, be without serious mental health problems. ↑↑ top What is the average length of stay? You as a host specify for how long you would like to have guests. Some hosts wish for short-term guests over one or two nights, others for longer. The average stay is one to two weeks. Please note that families associated with certain treatments such as transplants have a critical need for long-term lodging which may extend for a month and beyond. In such a case the guests may need to stay at a number of host homes. ↑↑ top How often can I expect to be asked to host guests? This depends on your location. If you are far from hospitals and public transportation you will receive fewer calls. Don't be discouraged--we need you! You may be sure that at some point you will be offered the opportunity to help a family in need. ↑↑ top If my schedule changes, may I refuse guests during certain times? Yes. You can accept guests when your schedule allows and take time off when you need to. We are happy to work around your schedule. ↑↑ top I don't allow smoking in my house--is that a problem? Not at all. When you complete the host application, note any restrictions you may have, such as no smoking, no children, only one person at a time, no parking space, etc. We'll then only seek to place a guest family at your home which matches your preferences. ↑↑ top Can I ask guests to reimburse expenses? Yes. Hosts may ask for up to $15/night for a single guest and $5/night for each additional guest. Please make your intentions clear on your application form. Note that any reimbursements you receive are separate from any donations which guests may wish to make to Hosts for Hospitals. ↑↑ top When do I first make contact with my guests? Once you agree to host a guest, we call the guest and ask him or her to call you as possible to coordinate arrangements for your stay. At this time you should explain to your guest the house-guidelines you have set regarding hours, meals, habits, use of phone, etc. If during this conversation you feel that this guest would not be a good match for you, please call us so that we may arrange other housing for the guest. We also ask that your guest comfirm the stay with you 48 hours before the guest is expected to arrive at your home. Guests are instructed to notify both you and our office in the event that there is a change in their plans. ↑↑ top What do I do when guests first arrive at my home? Once guests arrive at your home, you need to give them a Guest Information Packet and have all aldult guests sign the Guest Liability Release Form. ↑↑ top Do hosts ever complain of troublesome guests? Rarely. Through our screening, we can avoid obvious problems. However, should you to have difficulty, simply call the Hosts for Hospitals office and we'll make other arrangements for your guest. ↑↑ top In what ways as a host am I expected to keep in contact with HOSTS for HOSPITALS? We expect you to call the Hosts for Hospitals office when:
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