WHAT IS HOME SHARING?

Benefits

Easing financial burdens
Companionship
Security of not living alone
Remaining at home and "Aging in place" for those needing basic assistance
Help those at risk or newly homeless into permanent housing

Home sharing was developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a focus to help those who are house rich and cash poor. HIP Housing of San Mateo County developed it's home sharing program in the late 1970's. Vermont has several home sharing programs as does San Diego, Los Angeles, New York among others. The home sharing concept is an evidence-based model promoted by AARP and other federal and state agencies. Sonoma County and the City of Santa Rosa now allow Section 8 vouchers Housing Authority to be applied for those renting a room/home sharing.

OTHER Home SharE pROGRAMS

Concerns

The biggest concerns about home sharing is making sure that the match is a safe one, that no hidden issues emerge once the home sharing begins, and that there is no conflict around lifestyle differences, conflicting schedules, smoking, alcohol and/or drug use. To help alleviate these concerns SHARE provides various screening tools, including an online background check site to help reduce the potential for risk. SHARE housing specialists conduct an interview with each participant as well as performing a home inspection of each house that is represented for a home share.

SHARE Sonoma County Home Shares are living arrangements between two or more unrelated pople, one of whom is 60 years of age or older, who agree to share a home or apartment for their mutual benefit. Each person has their own bedroom and

possibly bathroom, while sharing common living areas.