Guest FAQs
What are the requirements to be a guest?
Patients and caregivers, who we call “guests,” may sign-up via the website, and include the name of a referring case/social worker from a hospital or hospitality home. All patients staying in a host home need to be accompanied by another guest. In addition, an eligible guest needs to:
- Live more than 30 miles from the hospital
- Have a permanent home to return to after his/her stay
- Be an important support person for the patient
- Be unlikely to put a host family at risk
- Be in active treatment (at least 1 appointment/week)
- Be supported by two character references
- Pass a background check
How much does it cost to stay?
The cost for accommodations is a suggested donation of $15 per night. This contribution keeps Hosts for Humanity up and running, and helps guests like you be matched with volunteer hosts.
What if I can’t contribute?
Worried about your suggested donation? Just because you can’t pay, doesn’t mean you can’t stay. If you need financial assistance, please complete this form, and a Hosts for Humanity team member will reach out to you within two business days.
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
As a guest, you will be matched with a volunteer host offering you a place to stay in their home. Accommodations vary, but at a minimum volunteer hosts provide guests with a comfortable place to sleep and access to a bathroom. Volunteer hosts do not provide meals or transportation to the hospital, although some hosts live in areas with access to public transit.
Seeking accommodations while traveling for an abortion?
At Hosts for Humanity, we believe that abortions are healthcare and a human right. In order to best support travelers seeking abortions, we are referring individuals traveling to Baltimore for abortions to our partners at the Baltimore Abortion Fund (BAF). BAF is a mutual aid, grassroot, nonprofit that provides funding for abortions as well as practical support such as transportation, accommodations, and translation services. If you are seeking financial or practical support for an abortion in Baltimore, please contact the BAF’s confidential helpline at 443-853-8445.
What areas do you serve?
Currently, we serve the greater Baltimore area, though we have hopes to expand in central Maryland and into other urban centers across the country.
Host FAQs
What are the requirements to become a host?
To apply to be a host, all you need to provide is a clean and comfortable place to sleep and access to a bathroom. Any other amenities are provided at the host’s discretion and are not required. In addition, hosts need to pass a background check and provide two character references to speak to their ability to host.
How long do guests stay?
Being a volunteer host is as big or small of a commitment as you want it to be. Stays can range from as short as one day to several months. Volunteer hosts will only lodge guests when they want and for how long they want.
I don’t have the space to host. How else can I get involved?
Even at the rate of $15 per night, some families cannot afford the donation fee that helps us cover our costs. Please consider donating to supplement families who may not be able to donate themselves. Or send us an email sharing your talents and we’ll find something for you to do!
What can I share with my references about their role in the process?
References will get an automated email from Hosts for Humanity with the link to complete the reference form on your behalf. However, it's always a good idea as a friend and colleague to let your reference know what to expect. We suggest sharing the following information with your reference.
Hi XXX,
I have listed you as a character reference for a volunteer host application with Hosts for Humanity. Hosts for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that matches caregivers and patients traveling for medical with volunteer hosts offering accommodations in their home.
You will only have to complete the reference for me once. The reference you provide will show up on my profile page, along with how long you've known me, your relationship with me, and your first name and last initial. No other information you provide will be shared. Please keep an eye on your email inbox for an email from Hosts for Humanity with instructions to complete the reference. Thank you so much for supporting me and Hosts for Humanity!