Rediscovering a lost art…
When you think of hospitality, you might think of the hotel or restaurant industry. Or, perhaps “entertaining” guests. But that is not the way hospitality has been understood for centuries. Imagine a time when hotels and restaurants were uncommon, and travelers depended on locals to provide a hot meal and a safe space to sleep. Though times have changed, there is still a need for temporary accommodation particularly during times of transition. Hotels and even Airbnbs are impersonal and increasingly cost-prohibitive for many.
As international students, interns, medical patients, and immigrants navigate housing uncertainty during transitions, guest rooms across our cities sit empty. In the 21st century, our homes have become larger, yet we seem to have less space for others. We want to change that. HUMBLE WELCOME was formed to spark interest in living differently and rediscovering the sacred duty and personal honor of welcoming strangers.
Our beginnings
Jonathan and Megan Putnam began welcoming international students to their Cleveland-area home in 2013. At first, hospitality was about dinner. As relationships deepened, students would often ask if they knew of Americans with whom they could live to practice English and experience American culture. Shortly after that they welcomed their first student and have not stopped welcoming guests... They formed Sojourn Homestays LLC to connect students to other hosts. Jonathan later became the Area Director of a non-profit community organization whose aim is to “make the world feel at home.” Although hosts have a variety of beliefs, the Putnams believe followers of Jesus should be the most hospitable people in the world since they have experienced the hospitality and provision of God. Though there are amazing things about our towns and cities, when visitors leave, we want the people to be the best part of our city.
“We discovered not only how enjoyable it is to host, but also how much easier it is to welcome a long-term guest than we expected. The most time-intensive “entertaining” of any guest is within the first three days. Sadly, many people have never hosted beyond a few days so they miss out on the mutually rewarding aspects of extended hospitality. Hosts and guests alike can experience the goodness of informal companionship in the ordinary rhythms of life. Both are reminded that they are not alone.”
-Jonathan Putnam
