Students sleeping outside, in cars and in campers, and with others in unstable and sometimes dangerous circumstances is a harsh reality. A survey of N.C. State students in 2017 indicated that almost 10% of students experienced homelessness in the prior year. That rate of homelessness climbed to 15% during the pandemic, a rate consistent with other U. S. campuses.
University housing is an option for students on some campuses, but there is not sufficient on-campus housing for everyone who needs it, and dorms are not affordable for many students. Some universities offer small grants in emergencies, but funds are minimal. Most students without homes use financial aid, take student loans, and work several jobs; but those funds don't stretch far enough in the expensive Wake County housing market.
Every college student deserves an opportunity to thrive.
Every graduate is an asset to our community.
About Us
HOST is a 501c3 community-engaged nonprofit providing core programs for college students experiencing homeless and/or housing insecurity. HOST's primary program - the Host Home Program - is a strategy to address housing needs without costly emergency shelters or transitional housing programs. The Host Home Program requires no infrastructure investment, making it a cost-efficient solution for addressing the short term housing needs of students.
A group of students, experts, & advocates devoted two years to planning and launching HOST, a nonprofit organization in Raleigh, NC that offers the Host Home Program and other services and supports for college students.
The Host Home Program matches students who need short-term housing with hosts who provide a safe, private, affirming space in their homes. Volunteer hosts are vetted and receive ongoing support to ensure access to resources and training in boundary-setting, managing expectations, conflict mediation, & cultural responsiveness. Students prepare for long-term, stable housing with support from a caring Student Advocate (case manager) while hosts work with a dedicated host advocate - the Program Coordinator.
HOST's program was designed with the support of Point Source Youth, a national leader in solutions to end youth homelessness with proven results. HOST offers the first host home program specifically for college students in the U.S.
Our Mission
To create a community of hosts that provides temporary housing to college students to prevent homelessness as they prepare to move into and maintain housing while they pursue higher education goals.
Our Vision
Our vision is that every college student in Wake County NC is safely and stably housed while they pursue their academic goals.