We are in this together!
Family Promise will help you every step of the way as your church prepares for guests. Congregation coordinators and volunteers will be trained in each aspect of hosting and all your questions will be answered.
Here is a checklist of items to consider in advance of hosting:
FACILITY CHECKLIST
1. Accommodations: Which rooms and bathrooms are available? Assign storage space for linens, guests’ belongings, etc.
2. Security: What areas should be locked and who will secure them? Assign a volunteer for overnight security and determine when and how the building will be secured.
3. Kitchen: Where are staples stored? How will leftovers be used? Is the refrigerator available to guests apart from mealtimes?
4. Housekeeping: What chores need to be done daily? Weekly? Complete and post a chore list.
5. Laundry: Where is clean linen kept? Who does laundry? Where?
6. Telephone: Post local emergency numbers for guests. Provide guests a policy on phone use.
7. Children: What supplies, games, and books are available for children? What areas are available for play (indoor and outdoor)?
SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT The Network provides beds, pillows, pillow covers, and vinyl mattress covers. The host congregation provides sheets, washable blankets, pillowcases, mattress pads, and linens. Infant bathtub, a playpen, cribs, highchairs/booster chairs may be needed. Usually, congregation members donate or lend this equipment. The Network Director will work with the coordinator about specific needs.
Before host week, these basic supplies should be on hand:
Alarm clock(s) Baby bottles, liners, baby food, cereal
Cleaning supplies, bleach Toys, books, games, coloring books, crayons
Disposable diapers, wipes Toiletries and infant soap
Tissues, paper towels First Aid kit
Paper, pencils, pens Food staples and cooking utensils
Plastic or rubber gloves Recreational games
HOST WEEK PREPARATION:
The Coordinators' hard work and organization will produce fruit during host week. And, each hosting gets easier and routine. The following prep schedule may be useful:
One Month Before Host Week:
Post host week dates in publications.
Recruit and schedule volunteers.
Post list of items needed for visit.
Plan training session, if necessary.
Friday Before Host Week:
Network Director provides the number of families, and information on work schedules, medications, and food allergies.
Coordinator disseminate information to assistant coordinators and finalize preparations.
Volunteers to reminded of their scheduling and duties.
Saturday Before Host Week:
Equipment, supplies, and food staples, are purchased and organized in the facility.
Hospitality and guest rooms are cleaned and organized.
Menu-planning is completed. Meal preparers are notified of assignments.
SUNDAY GUEST ARRIVAL
Coordinator checks the facility, posts Guest Guidelines and Emergency Procedures (with telephone numbers).
Beds are transported to facility by Network van. Volunteers makes beds.
Guests have time to unpack.
Coordinator welcomes guests at orientation meeting.
- Facility Checklist: A list of items to be considered for a host congregation, specifically regarding use of the facility.
- Supplies and Equipment: Items that a congregation will need to secure before hosting
- Preparation for Host Week: The typical activities a congregation engages in prior to hosting.
Here is a checklist of items to consider in advance of hosting:
FACILITY CHECKLIST
1. Accommodations: Which rooms and bathrooms are available? Assign storage space for linens, guests’ belongings, etc.
2. Security: What areas should be locked and who will secure them? Assign a volunteer for overnight security and determine when and how the building will be secured.
3. Kitchen: Where are staples stored? How will leftovers be used? Is the refrigerator available to guests apart from mealtimes?
4. Housekeeping: What chores need to be done daily? Weekly? Complete and post a chore list.
5. Laundry: Where is clean linen kept? Who does laundry? Where?
6. Telephone: Post local emergency numbers for guests. Provide guests a policy on phone use.
7. Children: What supplies, games, and books are available for children? What areas are available for play (indoor and outdoor)?
SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT The Network provides beds, pillows, pillow covers, and vinyl mattress covers. The host congregation provides sheets, washable blankets, pillowcases, mattress pads, and linens. Infant bathtub, a playpen, cribs, highchairs/booster chairs may be needed. Usually, congregation members donate or lend this equipment. The Network Director will work with the coordinator about specific needs.
Before host week, these basic supplies should be on hand:
Alarm clock(s) Baby bottles, liners, baby food, cereal
Cleaning supplies, bleach Toys, books, games, coloring books, crayons
Disposable diapers, wipes Toiletries and infant soap
Tissues, paper towels First Aid kit
Paper, pencils, pens Food staples and cooking utensils
Plastic or rubber gloves Recreational games
HOST WEEK PREPARATION:
The Coordinators' hard work and organization will produce fruit during host week. And, each hosting gets easier and routine. The following prep schedule may be useful:
One Month Before Host Week:
Post host week dates in publications.
Recruit and schedule volunteers.
Post list of items needed for visit.
Plan training session, if necessary.
Friday Before Host Week:
Network Director provides the number of families, and information on work schedules, medications, and food allergies.
Coordinator disseminate information to assistant coordinators and finalize preparations.
Volunteers to reminded of their scheduling and duties.
Saturday Before Host Week:
Equipment, supplies, and food staples, are purchased and organized in the facility.
Hospitality and guest rooms are cleaned and organized.
Menu-planning is completed. Meal preparers are notified of assignments.
SUNDAY GUEST ARRIVAL
Coordinator checks the facility, posts Guest Guidelines and Emergency Procedures (with telephone numbers).
Beds are transported to facility by Network van. Volunteers makes beds.
Guests have time to unpack.
Coordinator welcomes guests at orientation meeting.