Exploring home sharing options in the Annapolis Valley

The principle behind home sharing recognises that two people have needs and something to offer: a home provider offers accommodation to a housemate in exchange for an agreed level of help.

The Women’s Place Resource Centre (WPRC) in Annapolis Royal wants some public input in order to launch a HOMESHARE program in the Valley.

Program organizer Tara Webb says the program appeals to a lot of people.

“Maybe you’re a senior who wants to stay in your home and community, but you don’t know how many more winters of snow shovelling you can face. Or maybe it’s some other task that gets overwhelming for you,” she said.

It may also appeal to people who aren’t seniors but live alone, she said, and are tired of feeling cut off from the world. Or maybe it’s an option for someone who could just use some help with mortgage payments.

Webb notes that some people are tired of living in substandard housing and still not able to afford to pay for groceries.

“Or maybe you just want to stop pouring all your money into rent, and you want to save up for a car, some travel, or for a mortgage down payment of your own.”

Homeshare programs match people who have an extra room in their home (home providers) with people who need an affordable place to live (home sharers).

Home sharers offer help in the home in exchange for low- or nocost accommodation.

“The response when I explain the concept has been very positive; pretty much everyone says they think it’s a really great idea,” Webb said.

Occasionally, people raise concerns about safety for home providers, she added, “and this is an important issue that the policies and procedures we develop for the program will need to address.”

Webb has researched what other Homeshare programs in Canada and elsewhere do to safeguard the interests of both home providers and home sharers.

“We have people on the advisory committee with expertise

on seniors’ safety and we want to hear from people in the community at our round tables, people who think this might be an option for them, or for their family member or friend,” she said.

“We want to hear their questions and concerns so that we can understand them and make sure we address them.”

Homeshare programs normally interview both parties to ensure good matches, support them in making their agreement, and offer follow-up.

“This support is helpful even for people who are already renting rooms online; a HOMESHARE program might make it safer, and more likely that you find a match that works out for you in the long run.”

For more information, contact Tara Webb at 902-532-7101, or email tara@womensplaceresourcecenter.com.