Become a Mentor
Share your home. Share your support. Strengthen a family’s roots.
At Village Roots, mentors open their homes to parents and their children who are experiencing homelessness. By offering stability, encouragement, and everyday support, mentors help families regain their footing and move toward long-term housing and independence.
Mentors aren’t replacing parents - they’re partners. They’re a steady presence during a stressful season, walking alongside families as they rebuild.
What Mentors Do
Mentors provide the kind of practical, hands-on support a caring neighbor or extended family member might offer:
Share guidance in everyday life skills such as parenting routines, time management, budgeting, meal planning, shopping, and maintaining a household.
Model stability and consistency through healthy communication, nurturing structure, and positive problem-solving.
Support with logistics like transportation or babysitting when planned in advance.
Attend Family Team Meetings alongside the family and IFC Specialist to coordinate goals and celebrate progress.
Submit simple documentation to help track milestones and support the family’s success.
Encourage and cheer on the family, recognizing strengths, celebrating wins, and offering compassion during tough moments.
Mentors provide a home, but just as importantly, they provide hope, belonging, and a safe place for families to breathe again.
Becoming a Mentor
Training
All mentors receive an introduction to the program, expectations, and trauma-informed support strategies. Ongoing training is provided throughout the year for all mentors.
Home Study & Screening
A member of the Village Roots team completes a home study and all required background checks to ensure safety and fit.
Matching & Mentoring
Families are carefully matched with mentors based on strengths, household preferences, and children’s needs.
Support for Mentors
No mentor walks alone. Every family and mentor household is paired with an Integrated Family Care (IFC) Specialist, who:
Coordinates the family’s needs and services
Checks in regularly and provides coaching and guidance
Is available 24/7 for urgent support
Village Roots also provides:
Initial and ongoing training to help mentors feel confident and supported
A monthly stipend to offset household costs
A dedicated team committed to navigating challenges and celebrating progress with you
Why Mentors Matter
A stable home and a caring community can be the turning point that keeps families together and prevents children from entering foster care simply due to homelessness. When you mentor, you’re helping parents strengthen their own roots so their family can grow, thrive, and remain together.
