HomeShare by ElderHelp of San Diego

HomeShare

The HomeShare Program matches older homeowners who are looking for and could benefit from income, companionship and/or help in their homes, with people prepared to lend a hand in return for affordable accommodations.

Benefits of HomeShare

Independence	seniors can remain in their homes and in the communities they know and love
Economics	additional income for home providers, affordable rent for home seekers, and an alternative to long waiting lists for subsidized housing
Security	peace of mind for all involved, knowing there is more than one person in the home
Companionship	mutual support and the potential to build lasting friendships

How Matches are Made

ElderHelp facilitates a comprehensive process that includes orientation, assessment, intake, registration, and screening of both home providers and home seekers. This process is conducted by trained housing social workers who:

Complete in-home assessments and evaluate references
Evaluate seekers as HomeShare candidates
Conduct screening, reference checks and criminal background checks
Assist with housing agreements
Provide mediation and support as desired

Home Providers

For senior home providers, ElderHelp provides the following services:

Come to your home to assess your needs if services are desired
Register your room to rent if no services are needed
Refer screened and qualified renters or housemates who will provide help in your home
Assist in completion of a housing agreement
Provide continued match support, as desired

Sample Provider Listings:

Sample 1: 89-year-old retired professional gentleman who likes word games and old time songs is seeking a housemate for companionship and help around the house. In exchange for some housekeeping, cooking and errands, the housemate will have a large private bedroom and bath and share a lovely air conditioned home. The home provider would be especially appreciative for someone who would read to him and accompany him on occasional outings. Small pets will be considered.

Sample 2: Maggie is a 71-year-old widow who lives alone (aside from her 2 cats) in a large mobile home in Mira Mesa. She is an active lady who walks daily and has many friends. She works part-time arranging day tours for people visiting San Diego on cruise ships. Her home is very neat and clean and has a large living room, dining room, family room, and patio. The available bedroom has an attached bathroom. She wants to rent the room to an active individual for $425 per month, including utilities. She would consider someone who smokes outside, but not someone with pets (hers don't want to share).

Home Seekers

For home seekers, ElderHelp provides the following services:

Help you decide if you are a good candidate for shared housing
Register you and learn about your housing preferences
Refer you to compatible home providers
Assist in completion of a housing agreement
Provide continued match support, as desired

Home Seeker Eligibility:

For all new and all reactivating seekers, all eligibility criteria must be verified before an applicant’s registration will be approved. If an applicant raises an eligibility issue that is not clearly addressed by these policies, that issue must be brought to the HomeShare supervisor before approval. Under no circumstances will referrals be given before all eligibility verification is received.

All home seeker registrants must:

Provide two forms of identification, valid photo identification and social security card.
Meet HUD low, very low, or extremely low income standards (currently $38,350).
Provide income verification including: 1) self-report of monthly and yearly income; 2) pay stub if applicant is currently employed; and 3) written verification of any other income benefits (SSI, SSD, TANF, etc.).
Demonstrate ability to meet living expenses (i.e., food, transportation).
Provide declaration of non-criminal background.
Demonstrate no alcohol or drug dependence.
Demonstrate ability to meet own medical or mental health needs.
Provide references to verify employment history, rental history, and suitability for shared living (known for at least five years).
Provide doctor referral to verify suitability for shared housing if applicant is receiving SSI or is receiving treatment from a physician or psychiatrist.
Submit to San Diego Sheriff criminal background check (effective Oct 1, 2004).

Rental versus Service Exchange

Home owners who are willing to share the common living areas of their house, mobile home, condominium, or apartment offer a room to individuals in need of affordable housing. Each maintains their own private space.

HomeShare offers two separate options:

The Rental option involves matching a senior home owner with another individual who is looking for affordable rent. Seniors who have an extra room available in the home can supplement Social Security or other fixed income in the form of rent paid by a home seeker screened by ElderHelp.

The Service Exchange option is available for home owners who may require some assistance with chores around the house in exchange for a room. Such chores may include housekeeping, cooking, grocery shopping, errands, yard work or other assistance. In addition to the support, seniors enjoy the security of someone else living in their homes and the companionship of a housemate.

Meet our HomeShare Clients

Recipe for Success

Susan L. is a friendly woman in her early 60’s who laughs easily as she talks about her friends, activities, and love of cooking. Though she has faced and overcome several health challenges, she will tell you one of the biggest challenges she has faced lately is that of finding affordable housing.

“Since my kidney transplant, I have been on disability,” Susan shared. “It’s difficult to find a rental that can fit my budget. I was so happy to have the help from HomeShare.”

Susan rents a room from Fred B., a spry 87-year-old gentleman who loves to spend time on his computer. “I am on a fixed income and need some rental income,” said Fred. “I don’t do too much cooking, so I was happy to offer reduced rent to have Susan cook for the two of us. She seems to enjoy it, too.”

This win-win situation is what the HomeShare program is all about.

Meeting Everyone's Needs

If you are living on a fixed income from a pension or Social Security, you probably know how Barbara S. feels. She needed some extra money to allow her to do a few more things, as well as help with the upkeep of her home. Local resident John L. had wanted to continue living in his community, but climbing rents left him concerned he wouldn’t be able to afford it.

Through the HomeShare program, the needs of both Barbara and John have been met. Barbara rents one of the bedrooms in her beautiful condo to John. Barbara now has the extra money she needs to get by and John can continue living in the neighborhood he loves. The HomeShare program brings the right people together to make sure the needs of both home providers and home seekers are met.