SHARE

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Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) is an affordable housing choice that brings together homeowners who want to share their home with home seekers who are looking for housing in exchange for rent, help around the house, or a combination of both. The home seeker receives their own bedroom and agreed upon use of the common areas. Every arrangement is unique depending on the needs, preferences, and abilities of the participants involved. SHARE is currently available in Bucks, Carbon, Crawford, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Snyder, Union, and Wayne counties.

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Why share a home?

Some people like the idea of having another person around the house. Others are looking for an affordable place to live or a way to supplement their income in order to meet household expenses. In some cases, it enables the older adult to remain in their home and community.

Homesharing offers the homeowner:

• Income to help with expenses

• A responsible tenant

Homesharing offers the home seeker:

• A private bedroom with agreed upon, shared common spaces

• Affordable rent

 

Homesharing may offer participants help with household tasks or other agreed upon services. It may also offer the home seeker reduced rent in exchange for services.

 

How does SHARE work?

A homeowner and home seeker meet separately with the SHARE Housing Counselor to discuss needs and preferences, complete the application, and provide references.  

 

The SHARE Housing Counselor will:

• Conduct reference and background checks

• Identify potential home share matches

• Introduce the homeowners and home seekers

• Coordinate the written homesharing agreement

• Oversee trial living periods

• Provide ongoing support during the term of the agreement

• Connect the participants to other community resources.

 

Who is eligible?

Older adults, persons with disabilities, veterans, working professionals, college students, individuals at-risk of homelessness, single-parents, or people simply wishing to share their lives and homes with others. SHARE participants must be at least 18 years of age and one of the individuals in the match must be over 60.

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In Lackawanna County, contact Paula Welsh at (570) 468-5923 or 

welshp@lackawannacounty.org to learn more!