![[Skagit Valley Family YMCA LOGO SQ]](https://recliquecore.s3.amazonaws.com/imgs/ymca_logos/named_y/blue_purple.png)
![[Skagit Valley Family YMCA LOGO FULL]](https://s3.amazonaws.com/recliquecore/imgs/ymca_logos/named/blue_purple.png)
At the Skagit Valley Family YMCA, we believe every young person deserves a safe place to call home, a supportive community, and the opportunity to thrive. That’s why, in 2025 and 2026, we’re piloting a Host Homes program — a community-based solution to housing instability for youth and young adults in Skagit County.
What Is a Host Home?
A Host Home is when a caring community member opens their home to a young person experiencing housing instability, offering a temporary placement (usually 3–6 months) while they work toward their goals of employment, education, and independent living. This is not foster care — it’s a youth-led, voluntary arrangement supported by mediated living agreements and wraparound case management for both the youth and the host adult or family.
Host Homes have been successfully implemented for more than 20 years in communities across Washington and the nation. They are especially effective for youth who may not access, or benefit from, traditional overnight shelters. The Skagit Y will handle the training, vetting, and matching process between a host and a young person, ensuring that both sides are supported every step of the way.
Importantly, Host Homes do not remove, jeopardize, or terminate parental rights — they are about stabilization and staying connected to the youth’s own community and natural supports.
Why Skagit County Needs Host Homes
- Our existing services in Skagit County are not enough to fully meet the needs of youth and young adults facing homelessness.
- Minors — especially teens under 16 — have no long-term placement options outside of foster care in our county.
- CPS is strained and often cannot take action unless there is severe physical harm.
- Youth benefit most when they are stabilized within their own communities and receive natural supports.
The Skagit Valley Family YMCA already provides the only public services for unaccompanied minors in the county through programs like the Oasis Youth Shelter, Sedro-Woolley Rec Center, and our Street Outreach Services case management. We are also a leader in the statewide Communities for Functional Zero initiative, working alongside Skagit County Public Health, Northwest Youth Services, the North Sound ACH, Volunteers of America, and many others to end, not just manage, homelessness for young people ages 12–24.
Pictured above: The Y hosted a Host Homes Town Hall meeting in Spring 2025 at the Mount Vernon Library Commons.
A Community Effort
Our staff and local advocates have been exploring the Host Homes model since Washington State established a legal framework for it nearly a decade ago. With the support of generous donors, we are now ready to put this plan into action.
But we cannot do it alone.
This project relies on community members who are willing to step forward and open their homes — and their hearts — to a young person in need.
If you’re curious about getting involved and want to learn more, here’s how:
- Join us for an informational volunteer dinner: Come eat great food, gain a better understanding of youth needs, voice your questions and input about Host Homes. RSVP using the hyperlinks below.
- Join us for Volunteer Training: If you are interested in hosting, or any other type of volunteering that might involve direct engagement with youth, this is a required training. If you aren’t sure you want to support youth directly but still want to be involved in our program, this is a heavily suggested training as it will help everyone be on the same page about our program and approach. RSVP using the hyperlink below.
- Indicate your interest to our team: Our team can help you find the volunteer opportunity that’s best for you! Volunteer opportunities can include hosting or mentorship, as well as providing resources for youth, helping with fundraising or community organizing, et cetera. We will meet you where you’re at! Fill out this form to get connected.
Together, we can ensure that every young person in Skagit County has a safe place to land and the chance to dream big.
If you have any questions, please reach out to either Bethany Sparkle ([email protected]) or Erik Kort ([email protected]).
