Hostel & House Parenting

hos·tel

ˈhästl/

noun

1. an establishment that provides inexpensive food and lodging for a specific group of people, such as students, workers, or travelers.
2. 
   

The Sitka International Hostel is housed in a historic building which was part of the former Sheldon Jackson school and college campus. The Sheldon Jackson college is now home to Sitka Fine Arts encompassing several beautifully restored historic buildings used year-round by artist & music camps and providing rental space for events.


Photo above: Overlooking Crescent Harbor across the SJ Campus and beyond.

The hostel, just across the street from the campus, is not so beautifully restored but still a fine building. Rented from landlords who also own and operate Sitka's fine daily newspaper, the Sitka Hostel is genuinely adored by hostellers who are looking for less party, more conversation and a quiet place to relax and sleep. No, we don't serve food as suggested in the definition of a hostel, whew!

Co-ed Dorm - The Loft

Main Floor Kitchen

The Sun Porch is a visually warm and welcoming entry to the hostel. It serves as office, a space to visit, read, listen to the community radio station, KCAW, (which  by the way, has PBS offerings and awesome programs by local volunteers AND celebrates the local 2-feet, 1-beak population in its 'call' letters!).
However, the winter winds knocking on window panes and swirling under the threshold make it a less desirable hang-out in the winter months!












A full team of house parents consists of 3 individuals (sometimes a partner is a tag-along and enjoys free rent too). That is the catch, NO RENT & UTILITIES! We are all volunteers with minimal expectations from our manager. We enjoy free rent and $125.00 monthly gift card to the local grocery in exchange for 2 shifts/week and occasionally 3. A shift includes cleaning/preparing any rooms or beds that have been vacated, welcoming and orienting new guests, and 'manning' the station between 6-10pm and 8:30 - 10am. The Hostel is closed daily between 10am and 6pm giving volunteers an opportunity to work or play.

I enjoy a large room to myself with a double bed, a futon couch, and windows. A young couple and I share a bathroom between our rooms.

There's no manual for policy & procedure so the House Parents can adhere to their personal interpretation of the verbal introduction and whatever other one-on-one they might get from the hostel manager, Denton. If we take it upon ourselves to 'own' more than the minimum expectations, I say that's a yippee for everyone! We all have different standards, and it can be a challenging experience, for all of us I'm sure. :)

This opportunity to live light, see a part of our country which has always fascinated and allured, meet welcoming locals, and celebrate travelers from near and far is exciting, humbling, and no less than fantastic!

Happy Travels!