Get help for an international basketball player
Safe housing. Trusted mentorship. Real support when it matters most.
If you're an international high school or college basketball player living in the United States without your parents — or if you're a coach, school administrator, or family member concerned about an athlete — HoopsHome is here to help.
We provide safe housing, mentorship and advocacy,emergency support, and athlete protection so no young athlete has to face isolation, instability, or crisis alone.
Apply for Support
HoopsHome supports international basketball players (ages 14–22) living in the United States without their parents. Whether you need housing during a school break, a trusted mentor, or help navigating a difficult situation, we're here.
How to apply:
Athletes, coaches, school staff, host families, or trusted contacts can reach out on an athlete's behalf. We'll discuss the athlete's needs and connect them to the right support — whether that's housing, mentorship, emergency assistance, or all of the above.
Additional Note
Need help right now? If an athlete is facing an urgent or unsafe situation, contact us immediately using our emergency support form or call 262.235.2207.
Who Is Eligible for the HoopsHome Support Program
HoopsHome provides support to international high school and college basketball players living in the United States without their parents or legal guardians.
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Age: Athletes between 14 and 22 years old
Status: International athletes (non-U.S. citizens) living in the United States for basketball-related opportunities — including high school programs, prep schools, college teams, or post-graduate athletic programs
Living situation: Athletes living in the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian present
Athletic focus: Basketball players (high school or college level)
Support needs: Athletes who need housing, mentorship, advocacy, emergency assistance, or protection from exploitation or unsafe situations
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You do not need to be in crisis to reach out. HoopsHome supports athletes before situations become urgent — whether you need a safe place during Thanksgiving break, guidance navigating a transfer decision, or simply a trusted adult to check in with regularly.
Referrals are welcome. Coaches, school staff, host families, and other trusted contacts can refer athletes on their behalf.
Support is individualized. Not every athlete needs every program. We work with you to determine which type of support fits your situation — whether that's housing, mentorship, emergency assistance, or a combination of programs.
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If you're unsure whether an athlete qualifies or what kind of support they might need, contact us. We're here to help you figure it out.
Important Note
HoopsHome does not replace guardianship or legal representation. We provide supportive housing, mentorship, advocacy, and connection to trusted resources — helping athletes access the care and guidance they deserve.
Who We Can Help
HoopsHome supports international high school and college basketball players living in the United States without their parents.
We help athletes who:
Need safe housing during school breaks, holidays, or emergencies
Are navigating life in the U.S. without family support or guidance
Face isolation, pressure, or unsafe situations
Need mentorship to make wise decisions about their future
Require emergency support during urgent transitions or crises
Age range: 14–22 years old
Location: Athletes living anywhere in the United States
Athletes are typically referred by coaches (both international and domestic), school administrators, host families, or other athletes already connected to HoopsHome. Families and trusted contacts can also reach out directly.
Refer an Athlete
Coaches, school staff, and trusted adults play a critical role in connecting international athletes to the support they need.
If you're working with an international basketball player who could benefit from safe housing, mentorship, a Welcome Home Box, or emergency assistance, we want to hear from you.
Who can refer an athlete:
Coaches (international and domestic)
School administrators and athletic directors
Host families or guardians
Other athletes connected to HoopsHome
Families or trusted contacts
How to refer:
Fill out our referral form or contact HoopsHome directly with the athlete's information. We'll reach out to discuss their needs and determine how best to support them.
Additional Note
Referring an athlete is confidential. We respect the privacy and dignity of every young person we serve and will handle all information with care.
Important Reminder
You don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. If you're not sure what kind of help an athlete needs, contact us anyway. We'll help you navigate it together.
What to Expect When You Reach Out
When you contact HoopsHome — whether you're an athlete, coach, school staff member, or trusted contact — here's what happens next:
Step 1: Initial Contact You fill out a support request form or contact us directly. We'll respond within 24–48 hours (or immediately in urgent situations).
Step 2: Understanding the Need We'll have a conversation to understand the athlete's situation, the support they need, and what's most urgent.
Step 3: Connecting to Support Based on the athlete's needs, we'll connect them to:
Safe housing through the HoopsHome House or our host family network
Mentorship and advocacy for ongoing guidance and support
Emergency assistance for urgent situations requiring immediate help
Athlete protection resources if the athlete is facing exploitation or unsafe circumstances
Step 4: Ongoing Support HoopsHome doesn't disappear after the first contact. We stay connected, check in regularly, and ensure athletes have the support they need as situations evolve.
Emergency Support
Sometimes athletes face urgent situations that can't wait — sudden housing loss, unsafe living conditions, crisis transitions, or immediate safety concerns.
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An athlete has nowhere safe to stay tonight
An athlete is in an unsafe or exploitative situation
Urgent travel or relocation is needed to protect an athlete's safety
An athlete needs immediate essentials (food, shelter, transportation) during a crisis
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Contact HoopsHome immediately using our emergency form or by calling [phone number]. We respond as quickly as possible — often within hours — to coordinate safe housing, travel assistance, or connection to trusted resources.
Emergency support may include:
Immediate housing placement through the HoopsHome House or host families
Travel coordination and transportation assistance
Connection to legal and advocacy resources
Access to our Emergency Support Fund for urgent expenses (as available)
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If an athlete is in immediate physical danger, call 911 first. Then contact HoopsHome so we can provide follow-up support and advocacy.
Resources for Athletes, Coaches, and Families
HoopsHome connects international athletes to trusted resources beyond our own programs.
Below are organizations, hotlines, and tools that can provide additional support.
Mental Health & Crisis Support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Legal & Immigration Support:
Legal aid for international students?
Immigration assistance?
Athletic & Academic Resources:
Is there a High School resource?
Additional Support:
[Local/regional resources relevant to athletes]
[Housing assistance programs]
[Cultural adjustment resources]
Help Us Keep the Door Open
HoopsHome Housing is only possible because of people like you — those who believe international athletes deserve safety, stability, and a true sense of home while living far from family.
Whether you're interested in becoming a host family, supporting our mission, or learning more about how you can help, there's a place for you in this protective network.