What Goes Into a Hosting?
Curious what really happens during a hosting at New Mercies? Each one is so much more than caring for children – every hosting is a journey where vulnerable families are surrounded with Christ-centered support, accountability, and love. From the first call to our Support Line to the moment of reunification, every step matters. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into each hosting!
It All Starts With a Call
The journey begins when a parent reaches out to our Support Line because of a crisis, such as housing instability, losing employment, or lack of childcare. This initial call, often made at a very stressful time, is answered by a Support Line Volunteer. The volunteer has a conversation with the parent as they share their current challenges and immediate needs. For many, this may be the first time they feel truly heard and supported in their crisis. Volunteers will often pray with parents on this first call.
The information gathered during the call is prayerfully reviewed by the Support Line Coordinator to determine if a hosting arrangement is the best way to support the family. If so, a supportive network is quickly formed, including a Host Family to care for the children and a Family Coach to walk alongside the parent during the arrangement.
Walking Together
After the initial assessment, a Family Coach (supervised by the Family Coach Manager) begins to facilitate the intake process. This includes paperwork, conversations with the parent, and coordinating with the Host Family. Host Families are encouraged to attend this meeting to help build trust and begin relationship-building with the parent from day one.
Throughout the hosting, the Family Coach and parent assess stability goals on a weekly basis to determine how long the hosting should be. The average hosting lasts 15 days, though some may span anywhere from a single day to several months, depending on the situation and God's provision.
Throughout the hosting, the Family Coach checks in with the parent weekly, providing both encouragement and accountability. The Family Coach also touches base with the Family Coach Manager each week to ask any questions and make sure the parent is on track. These weekly connections are also opportunities to connect families to local resources and help them stay focused on long-term stability.
The parent often has spiritual conversations with the Family Coach as well, and may even attend church with their coach. If the parent is interested, the Family Coach will connect them with our Rooted Together spiritual mentorship ministry at the end of their hosting. Meanwhile, the Host Family and the children they are caring for are supported with regular communication, prayer, and help from Support Volunteers who provide meals, transportation, and other practical care.
Daily communication between parents and children is encouraged and weekly in-person visits are required to help children stay as connected as possible to their parents.
Coming Home
A hosting arrangement typically ends when the Family Coach, Family Coach Manager, and parent agree that the stability goals have been met. Children are reunited with their parent, but often, this is not the end of the relationship.
In many cases, families return for additional hostings, which is a sign of trust and growth. It reflects a parent seeing New Mercies as a valuable resource and source of community when they need help. Each repeat hosting is not a step backward but a testament to the ongoing, redemptive journey these families are walking with God and the support of His people.