Fact Sheet

Homesharing is an alternative solution to housing needs. Shared housing is an arrangement in which two or more unrelated people share a dwelling. Each person has his/her private room but shares common areas such as kitchen , dining room and living room.

Homesharing relationships vary greatly among homesharers based upon individual preferences. Many homesharers create an intentional family relationship.

Homesharing is an option for all ages. Young people have been sharing for years. Today more and more middle-aged and older adults are discovering that sharing their living suits their needs also.

Homesharing is based on the use of existing housing whether that housing is a single family dwelling , apartment, or mobile home.

Homesharing is an adaptable, flexible idea. The individuals involved shape their own sharing arrangements. Each arrangement may be as structured or as loose as the individual participants wish.

Homesharing does not have a lifelong commitment to anyone in the sharing arrangement.

Homesharing is one way to secure (or continue in) adequate housing at a reasonable cost while maintaining privacy , independence, and self determination.

Homesharing can prevent the too early institutionalization of the elderly by providing needed services for the elderly homeprovider; the homeseeker may provide services, or the homeprovider can use the additional income received to pay for the required services.

Homesharing is not only an option for older persons or persons of low-income. It can be a viable option for:

• a retiree who wishes to maintain his/her own home in a community with continually increasing costs of living.

• unemployed or underemployed persons in keeping their homes,

• divorced or single working parents with children at home, • handicapped persons who require some services to stay at home,

• socially isolated persons who desire more social interaction,

• students during college years,

• persons in transition due to a divorce, change in career, or move to new area

Benefits of Homesharing

For Individuals:

• economic

• companionship

• security (both internal and external safety)

• services exchanged

• step up in a lifestyle

For Community:

• fuller utilization of existing housing resources with reduction in demand for tax-dollars to create more housing

• better maintenance of existing housing (with increased income/services to homeowners engaged in shared housing) enhancing/maintaining neighborhood quality.

• reduction in premature institutionalization of elderly persons and public expenditures for long time care.

• reduction in pressure on families to take their elderly relatives who require some assistance or younger family members who are in the transition.

Shared Housing Services Will:

• Provide answers to the questions of potential homesharers over the phone and set up interviews to further explore homesharing possibilities.

• Help interested persons clarify their needs and expectations.

• Review the files of our clients to identify potential homesharers who might be right for each other.

• Arrange a meeting between people who closely match each other’s requirements as homesharers.

• Assist in arranging a trial run of shared living (for a weekend, week or longer).

• Provide assistance in the formulation of an arrangement between homesharers.

• Offer continuing support and counseling to homesharers.