Overview

Every vessel needs a steady hand at the helm — and at Safe Harbor Boys Home, that’s our Houseparents. These dedicated men and women serve as the anchors of our residential program, living on campus or aboard our program vessels to guide a small group of teenage boys through daily life, spiritual growth, and personal responsibility.

Being a Houseparent is more than a job, it’s a calling. It’s waking up on the water, mentoring a young man through a hard day, teaching him how to work with his hands, or helping him understand the grace of second chances. It’s a lifestyle of service, discipleship, and community that transforms lives — including your own.

A woman guides a young man using a laptop at a wooden table, surrounded by books and headphones, in a sunlit, modern workspace.
Two white yachts docked at a marina against a clear blue sky, with power lines visible in the background. The scene showcases waterfront leisure.

What Houseparents Do

Houseparents provide the structure, consistency, and compassion that form the heart of Safe Harbor’s mission. They create a home-like environment built on faith, accountability, and love — where boys can grow into men of character and purpose.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Provide daily supervision, care, and mentoring for residents
  • Create a safe, Christ-centered home environment aboard a vessel or in campus housing
  • Model integrity, faith, and discipline in daily life
  • Encourage personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and work ethic
  • Support boys in academics, vocational training, and daily routines
  • Maintain order and cleanliness aboard assigned living
    spaces or campus areas
  • Partner with staff and volunteers to uphold program expectations and values
  • Participate in community meals, devotionals, and activities that build family culture

Each Houseparent (or Houseparent couple), when on duty, assists in overseeing a small crew of boys (typically 10–15, ages 14–17), offering guidance and accountability while building relationships rooted in respect and trust.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for individuals — single or married — who are passionate about ministry, mentorship, and living out their faith in a hands-on environment. Whether you have years of experience working with youth or are simply willing to serve where you’re needed, your presence can make a lifelong difference.

Ideal Candidates:

  • Have a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ
  • Are emotionally mature, dependable, and teachable
  • Can provide firm yet compassionate guidance and structure
  • Enjoy teamwork and community living
  • Are comfortable with the maritime environment and outdoor work
  • Are physically active and able to navigate docks, decks, and stairs
  • Have skills in leadership, mentoring, maintenance, or practical trades (preferred but not required)
  • Are willing to embrace a lifestyle of simplicity, service, and shared purpose

Whether single or married, our Houseparents bring stability and faith into every aspect of life at Safe Harbor.

Living Arrangements & Lifestyle

Houseparents live on-site — either aboard one of Safe Harbor’s vessels, in designated housing, or in approved RV accommodations. Each living situation is designed to foster close mentorship while maintaining personal space and comfort.

Life at Safe Harbor is active, communal, and purpose-driven. You’ll share meals with staff and residents, take part in morning devotionals by the water, join in vocational projects, and spend evenings reflecting, praying, and sharing stories of progress.

Life at Safe Harbor follows a consistent and purposeful rhythm that balances time on duty with time for rest and renewal. Houseparents serve on a 14-day rotation, alternating day and night shifts to provide round-the-clock coverage and consistency for the boys. After each two-week period, staff enjoy seven consecutive days off, offering meaningful time to recharge, travel, or reconnect with family and church community.

This schedule provides a healthy blend of structure and downtime — allowing Houseparents to give their best while maintaining balance and sustainability in ministry life.

Compensation & Benefits

We know that serving in ministry is both a calling and a commitment — and we believe those who invest their lives in the next generation should be well-supported.

Safe Harbor offers a competitive total compensation package that blends salary, housing, and benefits designed to support both your personal and spiritual well-being.

What You’ll Receive:

  • Cash compensation starting at $25,000 per year per person (based on experience and role responsibilities)
  • On-site housing provided — live-aboard vessel, dock slip, or RV accommodations (valued at approximately $20,000
    annually, non-taxable)
  • Utilities included
  • Meals provided on campus
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Health insurance options available
  • Laundry facilities, gym, and waterfront recreation access
  • Ongoing ministry and leadership training
  • Community meals, devotionals, and staff fellowship
  • Together, this package represents a total annual value of approximately $45,000 per person, combining meaningful pay with a lifestyle of purpose, simplicity, and community.

Request Information About Becoming a Houseparent

If you are ready to get connected at Safe Harbor Boys Home and become a Houseparent please fill out the form below, and one of our team members will reach out and answer any questions you have.

We are excited to have you JOIN THE CREW!

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