Become a Host Home Provider
Open your home. Change a life.
Host Home Providers welcome an adult with a developmental or intellectual disability into their household, offering day-to-day support and companionship as part of Iowa's Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program.
Home & Accessibility
What we look for when reviewing a home:
- A safe, stable house, apartment, condo, or mobile home you own or rent
- A bedroom available for the individual, ideally on the main floor
- Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and an accessible fire extinguisher
- Two accessible fire evacuation routes from the bedroom
- Willingness to make reasonable accessibility adaptations if needed (ramps, grab bars, raised toilet seats, etc.)
Provider Qualifications
What we look for in an applicant:
- Valid driver's license and current auto insurance
- A vehicle with enough seat-belted seating for your household
- High school diploma or GED/equivalency
- Willingness to complete required training in caregiving, safety, and disability support
- Pass background checks, including criminal history, child/adult abuse registry, and driving record
- Three references: personal, professional, and family
What Host Home Providers Do
Every placement is different, but day-to-day support commonly includes:
The Process
1. Apply Online
Complete our secure online application covering your household, home accessibility, driving and education background, employment history, and references.
2. Screening & Home Visit
Every household member 18 or older completes required criminal history, abuse registry, and driving record checks. Our team also visits your home to review safety and accessibility.
3. Training & Orientation
Complete orientation covering care planning, documentation, emergency procedures, and disability-specific support before your first placement.
4. Matching & Ongoing Support
We thoughtfully match you with an individual whose needs fit your home and household, then a dedicated Service Coordinator stays involved with regular check-ins and support.
Questions before you apply?
Call us at (515) 669-7342 or email poth2024@gmail.com — we're happy to talk through what hosting looks like before you commit to anything.