Central Oregon youth in crisis seek temporary host homes
Harley Coldiron
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Cascade Youth & Family Center, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, is seeking community members across Central Oregon to provide temporary host homes for youth ages 11 to 17 who are experiencing a moment of crisis.
Through the Host Home Program, volunteers offer short-term, safe housing, typically for up to 21 days, to young people navigating family conflict or housing instability. Hosts receive $45 per night per youth, along with training and ongoing support from program staff.
These homes aim to offer youth stability, care and breathing room while program staff work with families toward reunification and longer-term solutions.
Audrey Scott, a representative for Cascade Youth & Family Center/J Bar J Youth Services, emphasized the immediate impact of host homes.
“Sometimes what a young person needs most is a calm, safe space and someone who shows up with care,” Scott said. “Host homes give youth that pause – a chance to reset and feel supported while we work together to find the best path forward.”
The need for host homes currently exceeds availability throughout the region and community members willing to step in can have a lasting impact, even for a short period.
Cascade Youth & Family Center provides a holistic continuum of care for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, crisis and instability across Central Oregon. This includes services such as emergency shelter, street outreach, crisis intervention, transitional living, independent living support and other housing programs.
To learn more about the Host Home Program or to apply, interested individuals can visit the Cascade Youth & Family Center website at https://cascadeyouthandfamilycenter.org/get-involved/host-home/.