Middlesex Community Living is looking for community members to join our Host Family program. It’s a great opportunity to support inclusion and independence for people with developmental disabilities… one home at a time.
What is the Host Family program?
Do you have an extra bedroom in your house? Looking for someone to share your home with? The Host Family program looks to bring together families, couples, or individuals who would like to share their home with a person who is interested in living and thriving in a family environment. If you can offer a caring home full of guidance and support, then we’re looking for you!
What do I have to do to be a Host Family Partner?
The first step is easy. Be yourself.
Our Host Family Partners are just like you. They offer a place for a person with a developmental disability to be themselves and to be supported while they develop positive relationships, build on their social and life skills, and become a valued member of their community.
Second Step. Tell us all about yourself.
Our number one priority is making sure we have the right match. We’ll meet with you, get a better understanding of who you are and what you’re like so that we can make the best possible match. You’ll be given a questionnaire, a personal interview and a Vulnerable Sector Police Check for everyone in your home.
We’ll collect all that information and then look for a potential match with someone we support who’s interested in being in the Host Family program. If we find a match, you and the person will be invited to meet, spend some time together and see if there is a potential Family Home match.
Through the whole process and beyond, you will have access to a team of caseworkers who are able to assist with anything, at any point of the process and beyond.
Last Step. Understanding your responsibilities.
- Provide support, guidance and respect to the person living in your home
- Assist the person with all aspects of daily living
- Provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing home
- Be involved in the development of a person’s individual plans of support
- Work closely with Middlesex Community Living to ensure the guidelines and expectations of the Ministry of Community and Social Services are fulfilled and respected
- Guide and support the person in community, work, and social activities
- Help the person develop and maintain relationships with family, friends and the community
Host Family Partners are financially compensated for their work. As well, respite and support staff are available to Host Family Partners.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can share your home, call Middlesex Community Living today. We know you’ll have questions, but you should know that we have answers and that we’re committed to building a long term, successful partnership with you.
Just pick up the phone and call Lorna Beauchamp at 519-245-1301 ext. 331 or send an email to lbeauchamp@middlesexcl.on.ca.