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Host Family

Host Family Program Overview

Student Veteran Opening the Door of a Host Family

The Host Family Program at the University of Notre Dame supports military-connected students by providing a warm, welcoming environment and fostering relationships with the South Bend community.

Registration and Eligibility

Learn who is eligible for the OMVA Host Family Program and how to complete the registration process.

  • Who Can Register: Military-affiliated students (veteran, active duty and dependents of veterans) at Notre Dame and families within 20 miles of the university.
  • How to Register: Complete the OMVA Host Family Program Registration via Google Forms.

Register here

Program Goals

This program is designed to create a supportive network, connect students with the local community, and build relationships between students and host families.

  • Support System: Establishes a supportive network for military-connected students.
  • Community Connection: Connects students with the South Bend/Michiana community.
  • Relationship Building: Promotes meaningful relationships between students and host families.

Responsibilities

Both students and host families have specific responsibilities to ensure a positive and successful experience in the program.

  • Students: Initiate contact with the host family, adhere to university guidelines, and keep the Program Coordinator informed.
  • Host Families: Register officially, provide a welcoming environment, and engage students in activities as agreed upon.

Process and Assessment

This program follows a matching process and includes regular assessments to ensure ongoing success.

  • Matching Process: After registration, both parties receive information to schedule an introductory meeting. Average matching time is 1-12 months.
  • Assessment: Participants check in with the Program Coordinator every six months to review program effectiveness.

The Host Family Program is designed to help establish a support system for military-affiliated students at the University of Notre Dame. We want to provide a warm, comfortable, and welcoming environment for student veterans, ROTC, military service members, and their families as well as to establish strong mutually beneficial relationships between students and members of the South Bend community.

Need More Information?

To learn more, please review the OMVA Military-Connected Student Host Family Program Guidelines.