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Project 143’s Orphan HOPE Program is inviting an orphan child to live in your home and experience your family for 4-6 weeks over the summer or winter holidays. Orphan hosting is a foreign exchange program exclusively for orphaned children. For host families, it's like a mission trip in your own home. Host families have the opportunity to share their values, beliefs and culture as well as learn something new from their host child. Hosting is ideal for families with a heart for the 143+ million orphans worldwide.

The orphans available for hosting are chosen by our team, who meet each child in person.  Project 143 has a special emphasis on hosting older children, children with special needs and sibling sets, as these kids are often the most forgotten or overlooked. Host children range in age from 6-16 and each host family is matched with the child(ren) that fits best with their family dynamic after viewing the children’s photos, (videos in some cases) and reading their biographies online. You don’t have to be interested in adoption to participate in hosting a child.  The focus of the host program is cultural exchange and exposing the children to family life outside an orphanage.  Adoption is sometimes the by-product of the program, but not the goal. Adoption related interests should be directed to a Hague Accredited agency as P143 is NOT an adoption agency. Project 143 does not facilitate adoptions in any way.

Most orphans have never taken part in a vacation, shared in a game of catch with dad or gotten “made-up” with mom, much less experienced the life-giving love of being connected to a family.  What can 4 to 8 weeks spent in your family mean to these kids?  HOPE.  By simply opening your home this summer or winter and sharing some love and encouragement to a child who needs it more than you will ever be able to imagine, you will simply be amazed at the miracles that happen. Some of these children have never had or were too little to remember a normal family life.  You can help change that!  You show them what a loving family is all about, to be loved and cared for without conditions.  You help them learn English, introduce them to our culture, immerse them into an atmosphere of happiness. Adoption is sometimes the by-product of the program, but not the goal. Adoption related interests should be directed to a Hague accredited agency, as P143 is NOT an adoption agency.

Project 143 is presently conducting orphan host programs in Colombia.  Updates are provided regularly on the status of all programs via social media.

Typically, summer hosting is 5-6 weeks and begins near the end of June or the first part of July. Winter hosting is typically run during the month of December for the Colombia program.  We typically offer the option to host families for participation in a short or long program. Winter hosting is typically mid-December to mid-January and is 4 - 5 weeks in length.

We want each child to have time to fully acclimate to their host experience, which includes having to adjust to a new time zone, new foods, cultural differences and new relationships with a host family. If a program is too short, they cannot fully bond with their host family and experience the life changing benefits of the Host (HOPE) Program.

No. While some children who participate in the Project 143 Orphan Host (HOPE) Program may be eligible for adoption, this is not a requirement for participation. Official adoption eligibility is determined by the child's country of origin - Central Adoption Authority.  An accredited adoption agency can best answer your questions about adoption.

Formed in 2009, Project 143 received its 501(c)3 nonprofit status and was established in 2010. Our first Orphan Host (HOPE) Program was the summer of 2010 with eight orphans from Latvia. P143 has hosted over 3000 more children since this first program. Hopefully, it will be many, many more.

Project 143 believes that every child, regardless of location, deserves to experience the love of a family. is presently conducting Host (HOPE) Programs in Colombia. We continue to support our Ukraine program overseas, with the hope to resume the program in the future.  Project 143 is always looking to expand the number of orphan children we can help. We invite participation from other regions, domestic and abroad. Please direct your inquiries for future additional host programs to tammy@projectonefortythree.com

Yes. The international host children are accompanied by chaperones who travel to/from the United States with the children. Chaperones from the child's home country are given guardianship for the children while they are hosted. Children are required to speak to chaperones weekly. Families are required to communicate weekly with their Family Coach, as well as, complete host reports while the children are in the United States. Families are required to provide a host summary at the end of the host period and are expected to advocate for their host child(ren).

Host (HOPE) donations are $3,250 per child. Donations can be paid all at once or broken into a schedule of four payments which are detailed in the Host (HOPE) Program Application. Please note that all host donations paid to Project One Forty-Three are considered tax deductible and CANNOT be refunded for any reason. Any attempt to refund host donations by the host program is a violation of our non-profit agreement and jeopardizes the program's IRS 501(c)3 non-profit status. Receipts for tax purposes will be provided.

Host (HOPE) donations are similar to a mission trip overseas. Host (HOPE) donations cover the costs to secure a passport, visa costs, translation of documents, in-country transport to visa interviews (if required), in-country transport from orphanage to airport, airline tickets to the US, medical insurance while on the host program, a portion of the traveling chaperone's expenses.

Project 143 arranges all travel itineraries for the children and their chaperones from their country of origin to the United States. Families are responsible for meeting their children at the arrival airports, typically, determined 30 days prior to arrival.

Families are also responsible for returning children to the airport for departure. If additional air travel is needed beyond the initial airports, that is the responsibility of the host family. We work hard to identify airports as close to host families as possible. But, we can be hampered by availability, flight cancellations, etc.

Project 143 provides traveler's insurance for every host child. A medical deductible may be necessary if an emergency arises.

Project 143 requires host families to host a chaperone in their home for at least 2 days. This provides an opportunity for translation and assistance with host children, as well as an opportunity to learn about your host child's culture.

HOPE Program hosting donations paid to Project One Forty are considered tax deductible donations and therefore CANNOT be refunded. Receipts for tax purposes are provided. Refunding donations could jeopardize the program's IRS 501(c)3 non-profit status.  If you are dissatisfied with the services of Project One Forty Three for any reason, please contact us and we will do everything in our power to meet your satisfaction.

Our Colombia Hope Program does not allow for children to be rehosted.  In most other countries, as long as the orphanage and the child are willing to participate in the Project 143 Orphan Host (HOPE) Program, yes, our program allows for a child to be hosted more than once. 

This is a very common question. There is no perfect scenario when speaking of orphans, their lives already have losses most of us cannot comprehend. Without hosting, orphans over the age of 6 or ones with handicaps or ones in a sibling set have almost 0% chance of finding a loving home. However, with hosting, these same orphans have about a 65-70% chance for adoption. Hosting affords a second chance to orphans who will likely never have another opportunity at finding a family. While it is difficult to send them back to their orphanages in the short-term - they go back changed, enriched and connected to their HOPE Family - even if separated by distance. This connection is real and provides hope. Most HOPE Families become incredible advocates for their host kids, dramatically improving the odds for these kids to find forever families. Just read some of the Inspiring Host (HOPE) Stories on this website to understand how advocacy dramatically changes the odds for these kids.

The primary requirement is your desire to be a good host parent. Married couples may apply to host, but must be at least 25 years old. Singles are accepted in the Colombia program. There is no upper age limit, but normally a parent can not be more than 45-50 years older than the child. Host families are expected to complete an Application to Host, which can be found here.

A homestudy is NOT required to host. A homestudy is a term used in the adoption community. All host parents must complete clearance and background checks. A home and neighborhood safety visit is conducted by a Licensed Social Worker. Social workers will engage potential host parents in discussion about their desire to host a child or children and will examine the general environment for any hazards or issues that might not be suitable to accommodate a host child.

There is no disqualifier based on the size of your family. Our host families consist of large families, single parents, empty-nesters and more.

While P143 doesn't have any religious restrictions, some of the host countries may have faith-based requirements. We are, however, a faith-based organization operated, in large part, by Christians.

We are so sorry but hosting is open only to US based families, because the children are provided Visas to visit the US only. We are open to families anywhere in the USA. We’ve even had a host family from North Pole, Alaska!

Host parents are required to take care of the visiting children as their own; feed, bathe, clothe and love them during their stay. Ideally, host families would also provide an eye and dental exam for the child during his/her stay. Most host parents are able to find local establishments to donate these exams.

No. As long as each host child has their own bed, they may share a room with a child of the same gender, unless otherwise noted.

During the course of the host program, in rare circumstances, it is sometimes in the best interest of the host child or host family to move a host child to another home. We do NOT take this decision lightly or without just cause. Otherwise, it goes against our message of showing unconditional love to a host child and parenting them in a way that allows them to correct mistakes. In all cases, permission must first be given by Project 143 to move a host child to a pre-approved backup family.

The requirements for our backup families are the same for any other host family except that there are no host fees. Our backup families MUST have completed the Project 143 application, background checks and completed a home safety visit.

Project 143 requires families to host a chaperone in their home for at least 2 days. This provides an opportunity for translation and assistance for host children, as well as an opportunity to learn about your host child's culture.

No. Adoption discussions with host children are not allowed. While we are always hopeful that all orphan children will find their forever families, the Project 143 Host (HOPE) Program is NOT an Adoption Program, therefore rules of the overseeing agencies preclude such discussions.

Information includes a brief biography and some medical information. Due to country laws and to protect the privacy of children, information is limited. Detailed background and medical information can only be made available to interested adoptive families through an accredited adoption agency upon their application to adopt.

Yes. The children are interviewed and photographed by two or three representatives from Project 143 who visit each child personally. 

Orphan hosting typically focuses on children ranging in age from 7-15, sibling sets and special needs orphans. There are sometimes children younger than 7, but they are usually part of a sibling set. These particular orphans usually have a very low chance of finding a forever family. Project 143 has an extra desire to help older children, siblings and children with special needs.

Yes, about as healthy as you'd expect a child from an orphanage to be. Any known medical conditions will be documented prior to hosting.

Yes. A family that desires to host is able to request the child(ren) they would like to host through a password protected online photolisting. This photolisting provides a recent photo and a brief biography that describes the child’s personality, likes, dislikes and hopes for the future. While the host family does request the child(ren) they wish to host, P143 has the final decision on family and children matching and will work personally with each family to try to make the best matches.  Each country has different requirements, and the P143 Hosting Coordinators will help ensure that that each host family meets those requirements.

No. However, we do encourage every family to learn some basic words/phrases in your host child's native language. This not only impresses the children, but helps with some basic needs. We also hope you will emphasize the importance of learning English. This is an important aspect of our program. To help with communication, explore online websites prior to your host child’s arrival. These sites provide both translation and help with pronunciation. Charades work as well!

Examples to learn: Yes, No, Are you hungry?, Are you thirsty?, Time for bath, Time for bed, Are you ok?, etc.

Colombia does not allow host families to communicate after the host season concludes.

In other countries communication may be permitted, but must be approved by the orphanage or foster family. Host families are sometimes permitted to stay in contact by phone, email, Skype and mail.  Some host families send self-addressed, pre paid postage envelopes back with the children. You will need to secure proper postage amount from the post office. Just for your information, United States phone cards will NOT WORK from other countries, when calling to the USA. Last, please be aware that when you attempt to send a care package by mail that import fees may be placed on the packages and orphanages do not have the money to pay these fees to retrieve packages. So verify this prior to trying to send a package by mail to an orphanage.

Most host children love traditional American food. In some instances, because of lack of seasonings, many host children have a bland palate, so nothing too sweet, too salty or too spicy. We provide recipes in our Host Families Only page.

Take them shopping with you and let them pick out some things. Ketchup is the condiment of choice. Whole pieces of meat that need to be cut with knives are going to be unusual, most meats in orphanages are hand cranked through a grinder. In most orphanages, the kids are served a plate with minimal food and are not allowed to serve themselves. Encourage seconds, as that is not usually an option in an orphanage.

Decision-making and empowerment to choose will be a new experience for them. Place foods in front of kids and encourage them to try. Once they are accustomed to your home, you can allow them to make selections. 

You can travel within the US with your host child but cannot travel outside the US as their visitor visa allows for only one entry and one exit from the United States of America. No guns, or gun related activities are permissible; all firearms must be locked away. The children are allowed to swim, but all host parents should carefully monitor them. Some may ‘think’ they can swim but they cannot or are very poor swimmers. They must wear safety gear for bicycles and skateboards. Children are not allowed to drive motorized vehicles. Feel free to contact Project 143 if there are further questions.

Most of our host families fundraise their host fees so we have many ideas. Contact us!

Some children may come with a few things, but most will come with nothing. Start with donations from friends, church family or look through thrift shops. The kids aren't expecting clothing with tags on it. Make the shoe store employees size the children if you are buying new. They'll need to wear these shoes the next 6-12 months. The children that arrive with clothing will likely have things that do not fit them well. Most children don’t want to wear what is brought with them, as it was packed by an orphanage caregiver, not themselves. Please do not force them to wear these things. Upon arrival, clean all the child’s clothing and place it together neatly in one area, so it isn’t lost. You will need to return all items brought with the child regardless of the style or level of wear/tear. Ensure clothing is appropriate and it’s ok to say no to some things. Be consistent from the beginning and if a particular style is not acceptable in your household, you have the power to require that of your host child.

Colombian children may return with one age-appropriate sized backpack and a wheeled carry-on bag no larger than 22 inches. 

Most have not attended church, but yes, please include the host child and chaperone in your family activities.

We would like you to schedule a dental exam and eye exam for each host child. Many practitioners will agree to provide services free of charge or for reduced fees. Plan appointments early in the program, so if glasses are needed, they will be done in time for the child to take home. Also, if a lot of dental work is suggested, you have time to schedule appointments or look for a dentist to donate services.

In many areas of the country, LensCrafters and Sears, national chains, will offer a free eye exam and a pair of eyeglasses if needed. The LensCrafters program is called Gift of Sight and can be location dependent. You will need to call in advance to find out what documentation is needed from Project 143 in order to be seen. Consider asking your own eye doctor or dentist if they are willing to donate any services. We are not allowed to take children for any medical checkups or treatments unless prior approval is obtained from the lead chaperone. Emergencies are a different situation; handle them immediately and alert Project 143 if one occurs. If your child gets a cold or is “sick”, let us know immediately.

It’s possible. We inquire during the interview, but sometimes find that children arrive with medication. Upon arrival, your child's chaperone will give you any medication and instructions. Additionally, we ask host parents to check their host child’s belongings to make certain there is no evidence of medication being given to a child. If evidence of any medication is found, contact Project 143 immediately.

Every child’s personality is different. Some acclimate quickly to new environments, while others can take a couple weeks to relax, let their guard down and begin to bond to family members.

While it would seem logical that a child in an environment with so many children could easily make friends, sometimes there are those who have difficulty with social cues and playing with another child. Remember that some are merely surviving in an orphanage, not necessarily experiencing healthy relationships with other children, especially in an environment that lends itself to competition between children.

Every orphanage is different, some are smaller and some are larger, some are government operated and others are private. Some have better environments than others, but an orphanage can never substitute for the role of a family.

Though there may be a large number of children in an orphanage, it may still be a hard place to make friends, simply because there can be so much survival behavior taking place. For most orphans it is even harder to make friends at school with other kids who have families.

Even in the best circumstances, there are rarely sufficient number of adults guiding them and teaching them proper behavior. While every orphanage is different, some have large age ranges where older children simply take advantage of younger ones. And of course, some children in the orphanages can just be mean. The orphanage environment is often one that is physical and survival oriented. This can include, hitting, stealing things from other children and getting one another in trouble with orphanage staff. It is not unusual to learn about older kids hitting smaller ones, or even caregivers hitting as well.

Orphans don’t typically "own" anything. Most, if not all of their possessions are "community" property. If they ever do get something, it would not be unusual for the item to be taken by an older kid or claimed as community property. Many only have one set of clothes issued per week and some have to wear those clothes to bed as well as keep them on the next day. There are often too few toothbrushes and insufficient toothpaste. Bigger children may take all the combs and brushes so others can’t comb their hair. Sleeping arrangements vary as well, but it is typical for barracks styled sleeping environments with a large number of beds in a single room. Naturally, this arrangement does not lend itself to the most restful sleep.

Food in an orphanage consists of whatever is being served; never seconds and many say they are always hungry.

Because these children have no parental support or interaction with their schools, there is little accountability for school performance.

As noted above, some don't like school because the other kids at school are mean because they are from the local orphanage.

Certainly, it’s not the type of environment that anyone would wish for their own child.

No. The children participating in this program should remain in one host family throughout the duration of the hosting season unless an emergency arises. 

Unless children are part of a large sibling set, we typically do not separate them for hosting.

Hosting from two separate countries requires special permission from Project 143. Age, gender and specific situations are taken into consideration. Families may not host from multiple hosting agencies during the same hosting season.

Project 143’s Orphan HOPE Program is inviting an orphan child to live in your home and experience your family for 4-6 weeks over the summer or winter holidays. Orphan hosting is like a foreign exchange program exclusively for orphaned children. For host families, it's like a mission trip in your own home. Host families have the opportunity to share their values, beliefs and culture as well as learn something new from their host child. Hosting is ideal for families with a heart for the 143+ million orphans worldwide.

The orphans available for hosting are chosen by our team, who meet each child in person.  Project 143 has a special emphasis on hosting older children, children with special needs and sibling sets, as these kids are often the most forgotten or overlooked. Host children range in age from 6-16 and each host family is matched with the child(ren) that fits best with their family dynamic after viewing the children’s photos, (videos in some cases) and reading their biographies online. You don’t have to be interested in adoption to participate in hosting a child. The focus of the host program is cultural exchange and exposing the children to family life outside an orphanage. Adoption is sometimes the by-product of the program, but not the goal. Adoption related interests should be directed to a Hague Accredited agency as P143 is NOT an adoption agency. Project 143 does not facilitate adoptions in any way.

No. When a child is adopted as a by-product of the program, we are thrilled, but the program exists to provide orphan children with the opportunity to experience the love of a family and the enrichment and hope that comes from the experience. P143 welcomes both adoption minded families and families that will help advocate on behalf of their host child(ren). All adoption related interests should be directed to a Hague accredited agency, as P143 is NOT an adoption agency.  

Project 143 is not an adoption agency.   All adoption related interests should be directed to a Hague accredited agency.  

No. While some children who participate in the Project 143 Orphan Host (HOPE) Program may be eligible for adoption, this is not a requirement for participation. Official adoption eligibility is determined by the child's country of origin - Central Adoption Authority.  An accredited adoption agency can best answer your questions about adoption.