Written by Alan Colley, Host2Host Founding Member, former President & co-host of the Summit Prairie Fire Lookout Tower in Tiller, OR

At one time I was unsure of what the difference between covenants and contracts really was. What any of this had to do with hosting and welcoming guests was not something I gave thought to, until lately.

I had relegated “covenant” to the realm of religion and God. However, Max O. Depree*, who once led Herman Miller, Inc. as its President and CEO, wrote extensively about covenants in business relationships. I paid attention. 

He said many times how important it was that we give earnest consideration to how we carried on our business in a “covenantal manner.”

It may seem like a reach to speak of contracts and covenants in the context of hosting and hospitality, but now I believe it’s entirely relevant. I have found that when I approach hosting as a kind of covenantal practice, it opens up avenues to honor my guests as worthy of my care.

Caring for their well-being is also caring for my own.

Over the years I have come to recognize how truly important covenants are with those with whom I work. Both contracts and covenants are important, but each approaches relationships from very different points of view. Real and lasting relationships are built on covenants.

I found this statement from UpCounsel to be very helpful: “Covenants are a type of contract, but they do not work like a contract. They are a trust-based promise that relies on your integrity and discipline. While contracts are enforceable by the courts, covenants depend on your values.”

● A contract is an agreement between parties while a covenant is a pledge.
● A contract is an agreement you can break while a covenant is a promise.

“Overall a covenant is a better way to build relationships both in business and in life. In a contract, if a person does not fulfill his obligation, then it gives the other party to back out as well. The same is not true in a covenant. You must hold up your promise even if others do not hold up their pledge.”

When we choose to invest in hospitality as a covenantal practice we begin to recognize that our engagement as hosts transcends the merely transactional.

Whether you agree with me or not, I simply invite you to think about this way of hosting. It might just move your engagement with your guests to a new, more satisfying, level.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this, too.

* You can read more. Max Depree has written three books on various issues about leadership: Leadership Is An Art, Leadership Jazz, Leading Without Power

We’d like to invite you to apply to join the Host2Host Board of Directors.

As a member of the Board, you will join a small, active, and involved group focused on developing an organization that serves the evolving needs of our host community. Your voice and your participation are needed. 

This year we have two positions open. Please review these documents for more information, then apply!

• Benefits and Responsibilities of a Host2Host Board Member

• Code of Conduct for Board Members

• Board of Directors Application

Applications will be accepted until August 31 and interviews held the week of September 11th. New members will be elected by General Membership in November with a brief orientation held in December for terms beginning in January 2024. 

Contact Committee Chair and President, Dabney Tompkins if you have questions - we hope to hear from you and receive your application soon!

Host2Host offered an incredible raffle for $300 in goodies to create the Perfect Portland Picnic Basket!

This delectable summer prize offered gift cards from Ruby Jewel Ice Cream, Heroes American Cafe, Caffe Umbria, Blue Star Donuts, and Escape from New York Pizza! The winner of that raffle was Craig Thiry and we are so stoked he’ll be able to enjoy these awesome prizes. 

If you have something to donate to our raffle, just email us - we’d love to be able to advertise your business or rental listing while supporting an organization committed to enhancing the hosting experience of our members.

Did you know Travel Portland opened a brand new Visitor Center to invite the public to learn more about our beautiful, bountiful city? 

“The visitor center will provide access to friendly travel experts who can help visitors plan their itineraries, recommend restaurants and attractions, and provide information about events and activities in the area,” says Michael Cavanaugh, Director of Community Engagement and Visitor-Facing Services for Travel Portland. “It’s an excellent resource for anyone already in Portland or planning a trip, whether they are a first-time visitor, a Portland fan who has visited many times before, or a Portland resident expecting friends and family for a visit to our great destination."

Located at 1132 SW Harvey Milk St. in Spencer Court, visitor services staff will be onsite, excited, and ready to serve visitors and locals alike to facilitate memorable experiences exploring the city.

I've heard there's even a very Instagram-worthy mural to share with friends! PLUS, don’t miss downloading (and encouraging your guests to download) the Near Me Now app for Apple and Android users.

It’s absolutely FREE and it’s a resource for all of the best, curated locations and events that visitors (and even residents!) might be interested in. Check it out!

Do your guests love checking out magazines and local guides to help plan their trips as much as I do?

Well, you’re in luck because Travel Oregon offers a variety of magazines, maps, and guides targeted to different areas of the state.

As a host, you are welcome to order several of them for your short-term rental. Order yours today!

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for you to show your support for a worthy cause while having a chance to win some fantastic prizes! Host2Host is organizing a raffle giveaway based on the Perfect Portland Picnic to raise funds to support our goals.

By entering our raffle, not only will you be contributing to the sustainability of Host2Host, but you also have the chance to win these fantastic prizes valued at $300:

• (1) $50 Gift Card - Blue Star Donuts: Satisfy your sweet tooth with artisanal, handcrafted donuts that are sure to elevate your taste buds to new heights of delight.
• (1) $50 Gift Card - Ruby Jewel Ice Cream: Dive into a world of delicious ice cream creations made with the finest ingredients and the passion for delivering pure joy.
• (2) $25 Gift Cards (Value $50) - Heroes American Cafe: Indulge in a delightful dining experience while supporting a local establishment that gives back to our community heroes.
• (3) Large Pizza Gift Cards (Value $100) - Escape From New York Pizza: Treat yourself and your loved ones to mouthwatering pizzas crafted with love and care by one of the most renowned pizzerias in town.
• (5) $10 Gift Cards (Value $50) - Caffé Umbria Coffee: Experience the rich flavors and enticing aromas of exceptional coffee beans, ethically sourced and expertly roasted for the perfect brew.

Imagine the delicious indulgence of these delectable treats, discovering new dining experiences, or savoring the perfect cup of coffee – in denominations perfect for your own use or to give as a gift to friends or even guests - all while knowing that your participation is directly contributing to the advancement of Host2Host's mission.

To enter the raffle, simply purchase one or more raffle tickets. Each ticket you buy not only enhances your chances of winning but helps Host2Host continue to provide valuable resources, educational programs, and networking opportunities.

Share this raffle opportunity with your friends, family, and colleagues - you don’t need to be a member to join the fun!

In June, we hosted another terrific meet-up and were delighted with the recommendations provided by our panelists, Board Members Kim Fitzpatrick with STR Source and Anthony Rallo with A+W Projects, Lorinda Taylor with Innstyle, and Kristy Olsen with Radious.



Thanks also to moderator Carlos Camarena for keeping the conversation light and the good recommendations flowing.

We talked about some of our favorite amenities to offer, those that guests really seemed to appreciate, and easy wins we could add to our rentals to keep the algorithms slurping up our listing improvements and serving us up in top results.

Check out our lists of recommendations from a variety of sources, including Amazon for which we may receive a commission:

• Amenities Under $10
• Amenities $10 - $50
• Amenities for Assistance
• Amenities for Safety
• Amenities for Bedrooms and Bathrooms
• Amenities for Kitchens
• Amenities for Children
• Amenities for Pets
• Bulk Amenities

If you want to watch the helpful video, check it out on YouTube. Host2Host members can always access all past meetup recordings anytime on the members-only section of our website.

Host2Host was named an expert in the vacation rental industry on Redfin. Check out the article we were featured in:  20 Tips on How to Maintain a 5-Star Vacation Rental | Redfin.

Host2Host’s very own past-president, co-owner of Summit Prairie, and our eagle-eyed newsletter editor, Alan Colley, provided an insightful suggestion that made the final cut.

Read all about it and come away with some useful suggestions of your own.

May’s monthly meetup, coordinated by the Education Committee was super inspiring and left attendees with the tips and tools they need to launch successful direct booking strategies. If you missed the event, you can watch the video here and enjoy my recap.

Host and Host2Host co-founder, Debi Hertert, asked lots of helpful questions of panelists Anthony Rallo, Kim Fitzpatrick, and David Boe who all offer the opportunity for guests to book directly with their properties in one way or another. She also made sure folks felt included and that everyone had the opportunity to participate in the casual, but educational conversation. 

Topics included key reasons to offer direct booking, how to accept money, minimizing your tax burden, reducing risk, cancellation policies, minimum age requirements, rental agreements, rate strategies, and direct-booking incentives. Whew!

It was packed with helpful information and a ton of useful tools for hosts to employ as they manage their businesses:

• Avalara - municipality tax filing assistance
• Beyond Pricing - rate strategies
• Houfy - no fee direct listing advertisement
• MarketMySTR - client relationship manager
• OwnerRez - channel manager for one-stop marketing edits
• PandaDoc - document signature tool for rental agreements
• RentalFormsCenter - state compliant rental agreements
• Safely - damage waiver and reimbursement service
• SignNow - document signature tool for rental agreements
• Stayfi - wifi access tool collects email addresses for all occupants in a rental

Have you ever wanted to list your rental on a fab-u-lous, niche website? You’ll never have a better chance than now! Host2Host business affiliate, Fabstayz, is PROUD to offer an amazing opportunity to add your Airbnb, Vrbo or Booking listing to their advertising platform for as little as $5.99 per listing and be featured through the end of the year!

This latte-priced offer is being shared with Host2Host members first, ahead of Pride Month and the busy summer travel season. So create your listing with them today!

In addition to this super-discounted $5.99 listing rate, they are excited to announce their brand new Fab! Portland page is live and prominently features Host2Host properties!

To celebrate their launch in the Portland area and their recent partnership with Travel Portland, they’ll be sending engaging content creators like transgender influencer Jordyn Pollack @jojopollack to capture some of the fun, quirky sides of the city that visitors won’t want to miss and Fab! Sponsorships at Portland Pride and Seattle Pride!