Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre has issued a call for participants in their innovative housing program HomeShare Northumberland.
The press release said the program is currently in need of females over the age of 18 who have a home with a spare room, as well as those who are looking for safe and affordable housing, to participate in the matching process.
HomeShare connects two unrelated people to share a home and their lives for their mutual benefit – not for financial gain but in a spirit of companionship and mutual support.
It differs from arranging a live-in companion for oneself in that HomeShare's focus is on a professionally run program which skillfully matches the two people involved. Supported by a HomeShare worker, a HomeProvider with a spare room and living space can offer free or low-cost accommodation to another person (the HomeSharer) in exchange for an agreed level of support.
The model was originated 30 years ago to benefit older people who needed support in order to live independently, the press release said. But the concept is very flexible and can be adapted to meet local needs and circumstances. In Northumberland, any single woman over the age of 18 can apply to be a HomeProvider or a HomeSharer.
HomeProviders are single women over the age of 18 living independently at home, in a condo or renting an apartment, who has a spare bedroom and living space.
HomeSharers are women over the age of 18 who are flexible, and want to be helpful and live well with others.
Both are able to split household responsibilities and are interested in companionship. It can be of particular benefit to those who are elderly, experiencing mobility challenges or feeling isolated.
It is also important to remember to take the time through the application and matching process to get it right.
It's a safe and secure process, with the full support of the HomeShare worker throughout and both parties subject to criminal-records checks, reference checks and interviews.
The press release included the comments of a former HomeProvider in the program, who said the experience meant a lot to her.
“I was supported by my match, I was able to stay in my home longer, and I had someone that cared about me. It was nice not to be alone,” she said.
A former HomeSharer was also quoted as finding the experience beneficial.
“I was given a good safe place to live and I was able to help my match, who was a very lonely person. This program works and is very worthwhile,” she said.
Direct benefits to HomeProviders include help with daily living, companionship and the security of having someone in the house (especially at night). HomeSharing alleviates the loneliness that is an acknowledged issue in many societies. There are even recorded instances of HomeSharers saving lives by calling emergency services.
HomeSharers benefit directly by saving on their rent. Their room may be completely free of charge, or they may pay a modest rental well below commercial rates.
Other benefits include breaking down the barriers between generations or cultures, fostering mutual understanding and tolerance.
And the benefit goes beyond the two directly involved parties. Families of older people speak of the reassurance that a loved one has someone int he house to look after their security and welfare. Families of young HomeSharers say they feel reassured that their loved one has decent accommodations and a surrogate parent or grandparent to take an interest in their lives.
Public services also benefit. HomeShare has been known to reduce demand on health services and delay the need for such costly services as residential care for older people. As well, it is an innovative solution that creates access to additional housing stock that might otherwise be unavailable.
“It is about the relationship and companionship between two people based on respect, personal choice and maintaining dignity,” the press release said.
For anyone interested in learning more, the first step is to contact HomeShare Northumberland worker Deb Racine at 905-372-1545 or dracine@cornerstonenorthumberland.ca.
