Timing is everything! We first introduced the concept of HomeShare in 2020 as a home living arrangement option. And then - the pandemic! Now, five years later, the St. Albert Housing Coalition is looking at re- introducing this concept to the residents of St. Albert. An information session about Home Sharing will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the St. Albert Community Village, 30-50 Bellerose Drive. This session is open to anyone who might be interested in learning more about Home Sharing in St. Albert.
So, what is Homeshare? It is basically a match-up program that brings together home providers with individuals who are looking for a place to live. It is a reciprocal arrangement where a homeowner offers to share their home with a renter. Rather than simply renting a room out, this arrangement often combines a monthly rental amount with shared household responsibilities. The household assistance is provided in exchange for either a reduced rent or in some cases no rent at all.
Canada HomeShare, a national not-for-profit home-sharing program, is an intergenerational housing option that supports aging in place. One of their principles stated that the purpose is to increase options for older and vulnerable sector people to remain at home with independence and dignity while fostering intergenerational/interpersonal understanding and to provide an affordable housing options for home seekers. We do want to make it clear that HomeShare is not a substitute for Home Care.
A primary aim of our HomeShare program is to enable older folks to remain independent in their own homes by finding a housemate who is willing to cost-share and/or help with the household tasks. An important added benefit is the social connection and companionship that HomeShare offers, which could improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation for both the provider and the renter.
Students have been identified as a group that often are seeking more affordable rents and who might be willing to provide help around the house for a reduced rent. This pairing could be helpful in places where there is a scarcity of affordable accommodations.
Reciprocity and mutual benefit form the basis of an effective HomeShare arrangement, which, when done properly can enhance the lives of both the homeowner and the home seeker.
At the March 20 information session we will outline existing models of home sharing but we will also be seeking input into creating our own “made in St. Albert” model if the community so desires. Please join us to find out more and to let us know what might appeal to you.
HomeShare programs strive to meet identified needs within their own communities. Once the needs are identified the program will provide guidelines for the operation of the program, manage the applications which includes screening and matching and provide support. Registered Social Workers will provide oversight and support for the program participants.
For more information please email Michelle at [email protected] or Aleksandra at [email protected] or call 780-459-0599 extension 6.
