Host Family Information
About Mobility International USA (MIUSA) Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development. Since 1981, MIUSA has successfully carried out exchanges with over 100 countries. Join us in this exciting opportunity to host a leader from another country in the Eugene-Springfield, Oregon area by becoming a MIUSA host family. MIUSA programs are offered year round and hosting responsibilities range from a few days to two weeks, and include people with and without disabilities that may be youth, adults or professionals. All programs are cross-disability, so your home does not need to be wheelchair accessible. MIUSA programs would not be possible without the generous involvement of people in our community. “ My MIUSA host family helped me to be more confident by doing things together like cooking, housekeeping and solving problems.” –FLEX student participant from Georgia who has a physical disability
“[Meeting my host family] was the moment that I felt I was really included. My family was cozy and made me feel at home. We could exchange ideas about life, death, war, peace, love, marriage, politics, nature, etc. It was really good to be with this family.” – I-LEAD Delegate from Brazil who is Deafblind
“Staying with homestay families was brilliant. This gave us the chance to know the real American family, culture and life.” – WILD participant
MIUSA host family responsibilities Volunteering to host a MIUSA participant is educational and rewarding for everyone involved. MIUSA host families are expected to provide a safe and supportive environment where delegates are treated as part of the family. The process for becoming a MIUSA host family includes:
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) 132 E. Broadway, Suite 343 Eugene, OR 97405 Telephone/TTY: 541) 343-1284 Fax: (541) 343-6812 Website: www.miusa.org 1) Applicant host family submits a Host Family Application to MIUSA (families who have previously hosted will be requested to provide updated information as needed). 2) With your consent, MIUSA will conduct reference, criminal background and driver’s record checks in compliance with organizational procedures. 3) MIUSA will conduct a home visit to discuss your interest in hosting and any accessibility questions you may have. 4) Host family will attend a brief pre-arrival orientation meeting before each program that they are volunteering as a host family. 5) Host family attends a welcome meeting to be introduced to their delegate and begin their hosting responsibilities.
During the program, host families: Welcome participants to the U.S. and introduce them to American culture by daily interactions with you and your family. Learn about different cultures and languages (including spoken and sign languages). Understand and support MIUSA’s program rules that the participants must adhere to during their time on a MIUSA program. In case of an emergency or any other questions be prepared to contact MIUSA, including contacting emergency services as needed. Provide a safe and supportive environment for the program participant. Provide lodging and meals for the program participant. Each individual participant must have their own bed; if the participant is to share a room it must be with another person of the same sex. Host families typically provide breakfast, a sack lunch or dinner to their program participant. While MIUSA tries to utilize LTD’s services as much as possible, it may necessary at times to drop off or pick up the participant during the program. Communicate with MIUSA staff any questions or concerns as soon as possible. Spend time with the delegates getting to know each other; MIUSA program activities occur during weekdays and on some evenings and weekends.
The exact expectations of the volunteer host families will vary by program. Please feel free to request clarification from MIUSA staff at anytime.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a MIUSA host family! We look forward to hearing from you and we will be happy to send you a Host Family Application to fill out and return to MIUSA.
Please contact Teresa Koch at Mobility International for more information at 541-343-1284, ext. 22 or [email protected].