Be A Host Family
Open Your HeartOpen Your Home
The foundation of the Safe Families for Children movement is based on the practice of hosting children and providing parents with extended family-like support. This distinguishing feature sets us apart from other initiatives that aim to love and support vulnerable children and families. The heart of our mission is radical hospitality, where we freely welcome the stranger into our homes. We firmly believe that by opening our hearts and homes, we have a unique opportunity to embody the spirit of Christ with a servant posture.
Safe Families for Children operates as a volunteer network, offering a safety net for parents by providing them with a place of refuge for their children during times of crisis. Safe Families was established to assist families before their children are legally removed, which would require complex court proceedings for reunification. As a voluntary and non-coercive option, we serve as an alternative to the state child welfare system.
“We began our Safe Families journey after listening to a presentation at our church. We didn’t know how exactly how we would participate, but we knew we wanted to get involved. We ended up opening our home to three siblings (ages 6, 7, and 8 years old). The hosting was planned for two weeks, but ultimately lasted for five weeks. At times, it was difficult, but we never really walked this journey alone. There were so many positive interactions with people we had never met before, from those we had met but didn’t know, of course, and from people we knew very well. Through this experience, we saw more clearly what kind of community we truly belong to, and we look forward ot the next hosting opportunity.”
The Anderson Family
Follow these simple steps to become a Host Family:
1Fill out an application. You may find some of our questions quite personal, but it is important that we get to know you as well as possible. We need to make sure that all Safe Families volunteers are well equipped to handle their responsibilities.
After this process is complete, a local Safe Families office will contact you when a child needs help.
Contact Us
To find the chapter closest to you, click "Locations" in the menu.
Safe Families for Children, National Office
4300 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60641
info@safefamilies.net
Tel: 773-653-2200 | Fax: 773-355-5564
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