HomeSharing

A Program to Call Home!

A Quick Look...
HomeSharing is a surprisingly simple approach to affordable housing. HomeSharing describes a living arrangement in which two or more unrelated people share a home to their mutual benefit.

The Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing’s HomeSharing Program helps facilitate HomeSharing ‘matches’. Homeowners who are willing to share their home in exchange for rent, services or a combination are introduced to those seeking a new housing arrangement. These unique partnerships offer people and their communities another choice in today’s challenging housing environment.

Who Participates?
HomeSharing arrangements involve partnerships between home providers and home seekers. Home providers are people who own a home and wish to share it. Home seekers are people who would like to share the home of another and are looking for a new housing arrangement.

Adults from all walks of life are involved in HomeSharing. College students, older adults, single parents, persons with disabilities, recently divorced or widowed individuals, persons of low-income, new immigrants and recently unemployed people are examples of HomeSharing Program participants.

How Does It Work?
1. The first step is a call to our office. Once someone expresses interest in HomeSharing, an application and assessment process begins.

2. Next, applicants are ‘matched’ based on interest and compatibility. After a match is recommended by staff, the home provider and home seeker are introduced.

3. If applicants decide to enter a HomeSharing living arrangement, LCBH staff assist them in writing the terms of an agreement. Many HomeSharing agreements involve an exchange of reduced rent and services such as house cleaning, shopping, yard work, child care or cooking. LCBH staff also provide ongoing support throughout the HomeSharing arrangement.

What Are The Benefits?
Many! Both individuals and communities benefit by HomeSharing.

Increased Housing Options
HomeSharing is an important addition to affordable housing offerings in communities.

Reduced Housing Costs
Participants are able to dramatically decrease household expenses by HomeSharing.

Companionship
HomeSharing can help both parties feel less lonely and isolated, even resulting in new and long-lasting friendships.

Security
HomeSharing partners experience a greater sense of safety and stability by living with another person in the home.

Independence
Older adults who share housing are able to maintain their independence longer.

In Partnership with Interfaith Open Communities-Hyde Park Cluster. Funded in part by the Eleanor Women’s Foundation, the Retirement Research Foundation and the Topfer Family Foundation.

If you are interested in the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing HomeSharing Program, please
contact us at our offices.
We’d be happy to talk with you!
Phone: (773) 627-8201
Email : homesharing@lcbh.org

Lead Corporate Sponsor

Additional funding provided by the Eleanor Women’s Foundation, the Retirement Research Foundation and the Topfer Family Foundation.

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