Frequently Asked Questions . . .

How much can I save as an Evergreen Club member? That depends upon how much traveling you do. Some members tell us they've saved more than $500 a year over the cost of commercial lodgings.

How are host homes evaluated? Hosts submit a photo of their home which we check to see that the home is attractive, in good repair, and that the grounds are well-kept. Beyond that, we count on members to let us know if a home does not measure up to the club's standard. (Complaints are very rare.)

How many Evergreen Club members are there? Since 1982 the club has grown from 68 members to over 4000 including spouses and companions.

What happens if a guest wants to come when I'm not going to be available? You needn't host unless your schedule permits.

How often must I accept guests? Only as often as it's convenient. There's no minimum requirement. On average, members host four or five times a year. But some host much more frequently, while others may seldom have requests to accommodate guests due to their location.

How can I participate if I don't have room for guests? Sorry, membership is open only to those who can serve as hosts.

Won't I feel awkward staying in the home of strangers? Cold feet warm up quickly in the company of people who genuinely delight in making you feel at home.

Is smoking allowed? Nearly all the host homes are smoke-free, although a few hosts permit smoking in designated areas. Each directory listing indicates whether your host smokes, and whether guests may smoke.

I often travel with a companion, though not always with the same person. How can I participate? You may apply for dual membership, listing the second person as "companion".

Are private bathrooms available? Often, but not always. Directory listings indicate whether a bathroom is private or shared.

Are there Evergreen hosts overseas? Currently, only about 5% of the club's host members live outside the United States.

Will my pet be welcome? Very few hosts accommodate pets. The directory listings will help you identify pet-friendly hosts.

How long may I stay with a host? Visits are limited to three days, although individual hosts may allow extended visits if they wish.

Are all host locations listed on the "Locations" page? New locations are continuously being added that aren't yet listed.

I don't have much time to socialize and I wouldn't want to seem unfriendly. Those who prefer to stick to the basics can indicate that in their listings. "Basic" means that your host has limited time to spend with guests due to employment or other responsibilities. So you should not expect anything more than a cordial welcome and a friendly visit over breakfast.

Many retired hosts enjoy spending more time with guests, perhaps dining out or sightseeing together. Such extensive hospitality is entirely voluntary, however, and is not a requirement of membership.

As a same-sex couple, would we be welcome in the Evergreen Club? While more than 80% of our members welcome everyone, those who prefer not to accommodate unmarried or same-sex couples indicate LIMITED in their listings. As a same-sex couple, just disregard the LIMITED listings and choose from the many others -- over 1,600 locations -- where you will be assured of a hearty welcome.

What is an e-member? This is a new membership category which will become available in the near future for those who prefer to receive fulfillment materials digitally rather than via hard copy. It will allow faster turnaround for membership applications, directories and newsletters as well as frequent communication via e-mail. Once it is available, each Evergreen Club member will be able to choose whether to continue as before, receiving notices and publications through the mail, OR to begin receiving all communications digitally.