Who are Hospitality Homes Hosts? What do they do?
Hospitality Homes Hosts are volunteers who open their homes to provide a clean and comfortable place to sleep and access to a bathroom. Many hosts also offer limited kitchen use.
Hospitality hosts do not provide meals or transportation. A few of them live within walking distance of the major hospitals; most live in areas with access to public transportation (subway or buses).
What does Hospitality Homes charge for its services?
Hospitality Homes charges no fees. We rely on donations from guests and others to sustain the program.
Who is eligible to be a Hospitality Homes guest?
Hospitality Homes is available to people of all races, nationalities, and faiths, provided that the guest:
- Lives far enough away from the hospital so that commuting is difficult.
- Can provide some type of help in translating if English is not the first language of the family members.
- Has a permanent home to return to.
- Is an important support person for the patient.
- Is not likely to put the host family at risk.
Can a patient also be a guest?
Under certain circumstances patients can be guests, but each patient must be accompanied by a friend or family member. Whether or not we can accommodate patients is determined on a case-by-case basis. While our Hospitality hosts care, they are not caregivers.
How can I participate in the Program? What is the application process?
An application form needs to be filled out. Applications are accepted online and also by phone at 888.595.4678 (toll-free) or 617.482.4338.
In addition, each guest must be able to answer "yes" to the following questions: Is the program my primary option for housing? Am I comfortable with the idea of staying in someone else's home? Remember, all accommodations are in private homes - not in bed-and-breakfasts or guest houses.
A personal reference is also required. Our staff will ask for the name and phone number of a medical professional - generally the primary care doctor, dentist, or nurse, and sometimes a social worker - who knows the patient/family member(s) well. This person should have personal knowledge of the guest; believe that the guest is responsible, considerate, and independent; and attest that the individual is someone who would be welcome in his/her own home.
Although this is a personal reference, not a medical reference, friends, clergy, and employers cannot be used as referral sources.
What happens after the application process and character references are completed?
Hospitality Homes staff searches for a host who is able to meet the applicant's needs (e.g., number of beds, number of nights, parking). When a host has been identified, we will give you the host's name and phone number. You will be responsible for calling the host as soon as possible to introduce yourself. You will also be responsible for calling your host 48 hours prior to your arrival to confirm the arrangement.
If there are any last-minute changes in your plans (e.g., treatment cancellation or postponement, date and time of arrival, change in person who will be accompanying you), you are responsible for alerting both your host and Hospitality Homes. Hosts are not allowed to take in any guests who have not had a personal reference check.
What happens when I arrive at my host's home?
Your host will welcome you and familiarize you with your accommodations. This is the time to ask any additional questions and discuss expectations in order to make your stay as comfortable as possible for both you and your host.
Each guest will be asked to sign a Liability Release and will be given a Hospitality Homes information, a Guest Survey, and a Hospitality Homes donation envelope.
How do I make a donation to Hospitality Homes?
One way to donate to Hospitality Homes is by leaving cash with your host. Another way is by mailing us the donation envelope with your check or credit card information. You can also donate online.
We thank you for your contribution, which will allow us to continue to provide assistance to others. |
