Becoming a Host
Welcome to Hearthway
Thank you for becoming part of the Hearthway community.
Your commitment to providing safe, temporary shelter is crucial for women and children escaping domestic violence. By opening your home, you are offering more than a bed you are offering dignity, safety, and the chance to begin again. Hearthway unites volunteer families to provide safe, short-term accommodation for women fleeing domestic abuse, alongside access to legal aid, counselling, and financial support.
As a host, you agree to:
- Provide a safe, private room and a welcoming environment.
- Respect your guest’s confidentiality and autonomy.
- Establish healthy, trauma-informed boundaries.
- Be available for regular check-ins with your Hearthway coordinator.
- Communicate concerns or issues early so we can offer support.
Before hosting, you’ll receive:
- Initial training on domestic abuse awareness, safeguarding, and trauma-informed care.
- A digital host handbook and access to emergency guidance.
- Ongoing support from a dedicated Hearthway coordinator who is always just a phone call away.
Safety and privacy are paramount.
- Do not share personal information or stories about your guest with others (including family and friends).
- Avoid asking your guest personal details unless they choose to share.
- Report any safeguarding concerns or emergencies immediately to your Hearthway coordinator.
Reimbursement and Expenses
- While hosting is a voluntary act of generosity, you may be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable household expenses incurred during a placement (e.g. increased utility bills or meals).
- Details of what is covered and how to claim will be provided before your placement begins.
Ending a Placement
- Placements typically last 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on need.
- If you need to end the placement earlier than planned, contact your coordinator immediately.
- Likewise, if a guest wishes to leave early, we will support that process safely and respectfully.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Your experience matters. We encourage you to:
- Complete our short feedback survey after each placement.
- Share what worked well and what could improve.
- Participate in optional debrief calls or peer-support sessions.
Together, we can make Hearthway stronger, safer, and more impactful for everyone involved. All you have to do is send us an email from the contact link on our home with a message expressing your interest and we will be in touch with you.
