Senior advocate: This program pairs local seniors with renters. Here's what to know
QUESTION: What is the HomeShare Program, and how can I learn more about it?
ANSWER: Ventura County HomeShare is an innovative program that helps match people who have a home with extra room and people who are seeking a room to rent. Simply put, home sharing is an arrangement where two or more unrelated people share a dwelling, each having his or her own private space and sharing certain common areas. The HomeShare Program operates under the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging.
We know the county lacks affordable housing options, and this is a great option that can benefit both the home seeker and the homeowner. For example, an older adult may be living in a home that is larger than that person's current needs.
The homeowner may find it difficult maintaining the home on his or her own. The program can find a person to live in the home and offer a lower rent in exchange for some services such as taking out the trash or doing small household tasks.
The program facilitates the connection, assists with screening candidates, including background checks, and provides guidance throughout the process, without dictating the terms. Homeowners can set the terms that feel comfortable for them.
I spoke to HomeShare social worker Jerrica Van Nest and asked her why this program is so important to the community.
“Let’s make better use of what we already have! Whether that asset is an empty bedroom or experience in the kitchen or behind the wheel," she said. "A program like HomeShare is not going to solve all of our community’s affordable housing issues. But thinking creatively, acting collectively and being engaged with the needs of our neighbors will certainly help.”
She shared a recent success story from the program. Kerry Albertine, a housepainter in her 60s, was on housing lists waiting patiently for a place to call home. Finally, she found the HomeShare program and was matched with a local homeowner named Lois Lebman who was lonely and in need of more help at home.
Kerry’s experience caring for her own parents as they aged at home made her a good fit for shared living with Lois. With a companion sharing meals and offering a helping hand with tasks around the house, Lois is able to remain in the home she shared with her family.
HomeShare is a mutually beneficial program. Plenty of people are in need of a room to rent at a reduced or lower rate. They may be newly single, a college student or even a professional new to the area. This provides them with the opportunity to find a lower-cost housing option perhaps in exchange for their skills.
Alternatively, the person sharing their home has the security of not being alone and can arrange for tasks included in the rental agreement that improve their quality of life. Many homeowners, especially older homeowners, may not be able to pay for more help at home so this arrangement serves multiple needs.
Currently, the program is seeking more homeowners to get involved and find their match. If you are a homeowner and want to learn more about the program, visit vcaaa.org/housing or call 805-477-7300.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County HomeShare program pairs seniors with renters
