Will I be paid for this?
Safe Time does not pay our volunteer hosts. And, our hosts do not charge any rent, to allow the guest to find long-term housing save for a housing deposit. Safe Time is exploring giving stipends to hosts to cover additional utility costs a guest will incur.
How would a prospective guest be chosen for me?
When you sign up as a host, we interview you and find our your preferences for a potential guest as regards age, sex, and more. If the description of a potential guest is not what you are looking for, we will suggest them to another volunteer host.
How would compatibility be assessed?
First, the guest would be described to you in detail on the phone and via a written application including references. Next, you would meet the guest at a neutral location such as a coffee house. Finally, the guest would visit your home. At any time in this process you can decline.
What are the legalities, liabilities and formalities?
All Safe Time guests are college students referred by their educational institution. Safe Time conducts a criminal background check on all guests and hosts, as well requiring multiple references. We also provide a legal document for both parties to sign before move-in occurs, formalizing the terms of the stay. Safe Time is insured to protect hosts and guest from risk and liability, as unlikely as an unfortunate event is to occur.
Is it safe?
Your guest is a full-time enrolled college student who will be carefully screened and should be fully compatible and safe. If any potential guest causes you any concern whatsoever, please wait and select another one. Should a problem arise with a guest living with you, please contact Safe Time for support.
Are hosts evaluated?
We want to assure that all hosts are safe for the guests. This will be accomplished by an interview and home check, as well as a criminal background check and multiple references.
Am I expected to provide food or anything else?
No, you are not expected to provide anything but shelter. Your guest will have options for food, transportation and spending money. However, you should discuss meals and whether you will eat together and how you will share the kitchen.
Can you say more about the possible guests?
Guests are college students who are unstably housed or currently unhoused. They will be the kind of people that you have told us that you want to host. Note that to be needing our services suggests that an applicant may well have experienced some serious hardships in their lives, and that they may need your understanding and support.
How long are home stays?
Our goal is to help students complete the semester successfully and find long term housing so they can stay in school. Stays are between 1 and 6 months.
What happens if the placement is unsatisfactory?
It is possible that an incompatibility will develop. Safe Time will try to help work out any issues that arise. However, if a host or guest decides to terminate the placement, we will try to find another host for the guest as soon as possible. Should a problem arise, please communicate Safe Time as soon as possible.